Life
Donatella didn’t just inherit Versace—she redefined it.
Today, marks one of the most defining moments in the fashion world, as the highly sought-after Donatella Versace steps down as Creative Director of the brand after 30 years.
Having made a mark at the Italian fashion house for years, her career came with no easy feat. Founded by the visionary Gianni Versace in 1978, the fashion house has consistently delivered groundbreaking moments throughout the decades. In the 1990s, Versace became a driving force behind the supermodel phenomenon, with legends like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Claudia Schiffer gracing its runways in unforgettable shows.
Today marks the next chapter in the maison’s legacy, and as we remember her time at the house, let’s look back at some of the key moments of Donatella’s career at Versace.
Taking Over Versace
Being at the helm of the house since 1997, Donatella Versace took over the house as creative director after her brother Gianni’s tragic passing away in 1997. Since then, she has kept the brand alive and evolving it into a global powerhouse.
Jennifer Lopez Shuts Down the Runway—Again
In 1999, Donatella wore her famed jungle-print gown to the final Met Gala of the 20th century. Later, Jennifer Lopez made history twice with the famous Versace jungle print gown. First wearing the gown at the 42nd Grammy’s in 2000, Nearly 20 years later, J.Lo shut down the Versace Spring 2020 Milan Fashion Week show by strutting the runway in an updated version of the jungle dress. The moment was a brilliant mix of nostalgia and fashion dominance.
Going beyond fashion
By taking the house one step further, as creative director she thought beyond fashion. Under Donatella, Versace expanded into home décor, fragrances, and hotels, turning it into a lifestyle empire.
The H&M collaboration
In 2011, she made high fashion accessible with a hugely successful Versace x H&M collection, selling out worldwide and paving the way for future designer collaborations.
Artistic influences
Gianni Versace was inspired by Warhol’s bold, colorful aesthetic, and Donatella continued this vision by incorporating Warhol-inspired prints into Versace collections, blending fashion with pop art. In 2019, she also brought streetwear together with a Kith x Versace collection, which modernised the brand’s aesthetic for a younger audience. Through her artistic vision, the brand even expanded into the Palazzo Versace Hotels group in both Australia and Dubai in 2000 and 2015 respectively. It featured baroque interiors, custom-designed furniture, and fashion-infused architecture.
To replace her, former Miu Miu design director Dario Vitale takes on the position of creative director and we’re all set to see what’s next for the fashion brand.
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