The History Behind the Fashion Icon: Donatella Versace
Get to know the woman behind the empire of Versace.
Since taking over as artistic director in 1997, Donatella Versace has been the creative force behind the Versace empire. Under her leadership, the brand has expanded beyond luxury clothing into accessories, home furnishings, and hotels, establishing itself as a global luxury lifestyle brand. Donatella is the definition of a powerful working woman in the fashion industry.
As the youngest of the Versace siblings, Donatella shared a deep bond with her brother Gianni, the visionary behind the iconic brand. Gianni moved to Milan in 1972 to begin his career in design, and a year later, Donatella moved to Florence to study to become a teacher. However, she often found herself visiting her older brother, observing and learning from him, soon following in his footsteps for their love of fashion design.
When Gianni Versace's brand came to life, Donatella stepped into the role of vice president. Between 1978 and 1997, she worked alongside her brother but had her own responsibilities and lines, including Young Versace and Versus. In 1995, Gianni honored Donatella by launching a Versace perfume called Blonde, dedicated to her.
The two continued to work alongside each other and build the Versace empire until Gianni’s tragic death in 1997. Donatella naturally stepped into the role of his successor and continued the brand's legacy.
The Italian designer's first collection for Atelier Versace in Spring/Summer 1998 put her on the map as a serious fashion designer. It debuted on a see-through runway suspended over the Ritz Hotel’s swimming pool in Paris, earning immediate praise from fashion insiders. Since then, her leadership has kept Atelier Versace and the ready-to-wear lines at the forefront of luxury fashion.
As both artistic director and board vice president, Donatella oversees every aspect of Versace’s vision, from runway collections to the brand’s global growth and digital presence.
Beyond fashion, Donatella is an active philanthropist, patronizing the Elton John AIDS Foundation and receiving numerous awards, including the CFDA International Award in 2018 for Designer of the Year.
She continues to collaborate with top celebrities, designing iconic looks for Britney Spears, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, and more, further cementing her influence in fashion and pop culture. Donatella remains a trailblazer in the industry, upholding Versace’s legacy while shaping its future.
