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Who Is Donatella Versace?
Donatella Versace is one of the most iconic figures in the fashion industry, known for her bold designs and leadership of the luxury fashion brand, Versace. She was born into a family deeply rooted in fashion—her mother was a dressmaker, and her older brother, Gianni Versace, would go on to become a celebrated fashion designer. In the late 1970s, Donatella joined her brother’s growing fashion business, initially serving as his muse and trusted adviser. By the 1980s, she took over the creative direction of the brand’s Versus line, cementing her influence on the fashion world. After the tragic death of Gianni in 1997, Donatella became the artistic director of the Versace Group, a role she has held ever since, continuing the legacy of the iconic brand.
Early Life
Donatella Versace was born on May 2, 1955, in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Growing up, she was heavily influenced by her family’s fashion background. She and her brother Gianni learned the craft from their mother, who ran a successful dressmaking business. “I was the baby of the family,” Donatella said in an interview with The New Yorker. “I was so spoiled. I was the best-dressed little girl in the city.” Even as a teenager, Donatella developed her distinct style, dyeing her hair platinum blonde and adopting her signature use of dark eyeliner. Her close relationship with Gianni led to him frequently designing outfits for her and taking her to events, further immersing her in the fashion world. Although she initially attended university in Florence, she eventually rejoined Gianni to support his growing fashion empire.
Donatella: Gianni’s Fashion Muse
When Gianni launched his own fashion house in Milan in 1978, Donatella was a key figure by his side, along with their brother, Santo. Gianni relied heavily on Donatella for her advice on design and aesthetics, and she became instrumental in organizing Versace’s renowned fashion shows and campaigns. Through her friendships with celebrities like Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley, Donatella infused the brand with a rock ‘n’ roll edge and enhanced its appeal among Hollywood’s elite.
Taking Over Versus Line
In the 1980s, Donatella became the head designer of Versace’s Versus line, bringing her own flair to the brand’s younger, edgier division. By the mid-1990s, as Gianni faced a battle with cancer, Donatella assumed a larger role in the company, preparing for a future leadership role. While Gianni overcame his illness, he was tragically murdered in 1997 outside his home in Miami, Florida, by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer who had been on a cross-country spree. Following Gianni’s death, Donatella took over as artistic director of the Versace Group, steering the brand through a challenging time and maintaining its place as a leading luxury fashion house.
Donatella Versace: Artistic Director of the Versace Empire
Donatella Versace, deeply affected by the tragic loss of her brother Gianni, was determined to carry on his legacy. Shortly after Gianni’s untimely death, she was named the artistic director of Versace. However, her leadership role had already begun before his passing. Reflecting on those challenging years, Donatella shared with New York Magazine, “During the last two years of Gianni’s life, I took on much of the responsibility. I would show him the work and get his approval, but I was running the company as he became increasingly absent.” For nearly a year and a half, Donatella had been steering the iconic fashion house.
Since officially assuming the helm, Donatella has been the visionary behind Versace’s continued success, breathing new life into its collections. In 2009, she made a strategic move by recruiting British designer Christopher Kane to reimagine the brand’s Versus line. Following his departure, Versace collaborated with emerging designers, while also reviving Atelier Versace, the brand’s haute couture division. Under Donatella’s leadership, Versace has expanded its portfolio, offering a wide range of products from fashion and accessories to home goods and even luxury hotels.
Personal Life and Family
In 1986, Donatella married former model Paul Beck, with whom she had two children: Allegra, born in 1986, and Daniel, born in 1989. Their son’s name was inspired by the famous musician and family friend, Elton John. Despite her professional accomplishments, Donatella faced personal struggles. Known for her vibrant social life, she battled drug addiction following her brother’s death. In an interview with Vogue, she candidly admitted, “I couldn’t stand the pain… I had to hide my feelings, and drugs became my escape.” After years of addiction, she sought treatment in 2004.
Allegra Versace
As stipulated in Gianni Versace’s will, Donatella’s daughter Allegra inherited 50% of the company’s stake when she turned 18 in 2004, a share valued at approximately $500 million. Today, Allegra holds the position of company director and has also pursued a career as a theatrical dressmaker in New York City.
Donatella in Popular Culture
Donatella Versace’s influence extends beyond fashion, making her a pop culture icon. She was humorously portrayed by Maya Rudolph in Saturday Night Live sketches, a portrayal Versace herself embraced, even offering Rudolph personal advice. In 2013, actress Gina Gershon played Donatella in House of Versace, a Lifetime television movie.
In 2018, the anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, produced by Ryan Murphy, premiered with Penelope Cruz portraying Donatella. The series, which focused on her brother’s murder, further cemented Donatella’s enduring presence in both fashion and popular culture.
For more on the tragedy surrounding Gianni Versace’s death, read: “Was Gianni Versace’s Shooter a Spree Murderer or a Serial Killer?” on A&E Real Crime Blog.