An Ode to Donatella
The infamous Donatella Versace has stepped down. The former chief creative officer spent 30 years in her role and is responsible for so many iconic Versace moments. She will forever remain a legend in the fashion world, and we are sad to see her go. After her brother was famously murdered outside the Versace mansion in Miami, Donatella has lived up to his legacy. Her unwavering strength, combined with her visionary approach to design, has shaped the very essence of the Versace brand. So much significance surrounds this iconic family, and with Donatella’s departure, an era ends. We are sad to see her go, but before she leaves, we must honor her with the recognition she deserves.
Donatella with her brother Gianni Versace.
Donatella’s journey as creative director began in 1997, and since then, she has created a world where boldness and sensuality are celebrated. Her career has been marked by a series of unforgettable, trendsetting moments that have not only redefined fashion but also captured the world’s imagination. With every collection, she showcased her ability to blend modernity with glamour, honoring her brother Gianni’s legacy while simultaneously creating a distinct identity for herself and Versace.
Among her most iconic moments was the unforgettable J.Lo green dress at the 2000 Grammys. Jennifer Lopez’s daring tropical-print chiffon Versace dress became an instant sensation. The dress was so monumental that it led to the creation of Google Images. Following its unveiling, the internet was flooded with searches for the “J.Lo dress,” and the sheer volume of online traffic prompted Google to create a function dedicated to image search—a powerful testament to how significant this moment was, not just in fashion but in tech as well.
“The sheer force of this dress, with its plunging neckline and iconic cut, left an imprint on the fashion world that has never faded.” (Vogue UK)
In 2018, Donatella celebrated another defining moment in her legacy with the supermodel reunion on the runway. For that collection, she brought back five of the world’s most legendary models from the '90s: Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Carla Bruni, and Helena Christensen. These supermodels, who had dominated the runway during fashion’s golden era, were reunited to showcase the strength, longevity, and timelessness of Versace’s designs. These women—now in their 40s and 50s—proved that not only were they still relevant but they were as iconic as ever. The press surrounding the show was massive, and the models’ return was a celebration of everything that Versace had been and would continue to be.
“The reunion was a testament to Donatella’s understanding of legacy and her ability to harness the power of nostalgia in a way that felt both fresh and empowering.” (L'Officiel)
Donatella's influence wasn’t limited to just her choice of models. She had a remarkable way of transforming the very image of her muses. In 1999, she convinced Kate Moss to take a daring step and dye her hair pink for the Spring runway show. It was a bold move, one that took a model known for her ethereal, blonde beauty and turned her into an edgy, pink-haired icon. Who else but Donatella could pull that off?
Donatella’s transformative power extended beyond the runway, with models like Bella Hadid also becoming part of her legacy. In 2018, Hadid famously sported the Versace logo tattooed on her arm, symbolizing the deep, almost familial bond that Donatella shared with the modern generation of models. The tattoo was more than just ink—it was a sign of devotion to a brand that had shaped the careers of so many and would continue to do so. (Vogue UK)
No conversation about Donatella Versace’s legacy would be complete without acknowledging the bondage dress—a masterpiece that forever altered the landscape of fashion. Released in 1997, the bondage dress became synonymous with Donatella's daring, provocative aesthetic. This dress, with its leather straps and daring cutouts, pushed the boundaries of sensuality and fashion in a way that few others dared to. The dress became a symbol of empowerment and rebellion, worn by bold figures like Naomi Campbell and Kim Kardashian. Its impact has endured, and its cultural significance cannot be overstated. The bondage dress represented Donatella’s fearless approach to design and her ability to create garments that were as audacious as they were beautiful. (L'Officiel)
But Donatella's influence wasn't only about the clothes—her bond with the Versace brand made it a true extension of herself. Her sharp instincts, her unyielding commitment to Gianni’s vision, and her unapologetic approach to fashion all came together to create a brand that was both a tribute to the past and a glimpse into the future. She balanced that fine line between tradition and innovation, ensuring that Versace would always remain relevant, always challenging the norms.
After three decades as the creative visionary behind Versace, Donatella’s decision to step down was influenced by shifting financial strategies and brand direction. In 2018, Versace was acquired by Capri Holdings, and under the leadership of CEO John D. Idol, the brand’s focus shifted toward becoming more commercially accessible. However, this vision clashed with Donatella’s, whose commitment to high fashion and her artistic values never wavered. As sales declined and tensions between creative and commercial visions mounted, Donatella made the difficult decision to step away. While her departure marks the end of an era, her legacy remains etched in the fashion world’s history.
Donatella’s successor, Dario Vitale, who was previously the design director at Miu Miu, now steps into the role, and only time will tell what the future holds for Versace under his leadership. We may see innovations, but one thing is for certain: Donatella’s reign has left a permanent mark on fashion. Her ability to transform the Versace brand, making it both a symbol of luxury and a reflection of contemporary culture, will never be forgotten.
As we bid farewell to Donatella, we look back on the countless moments that defined her career—her bold designs, her audacious vision, and her unwavering belief in the power of fashion to inspire. Forever an icon, we will miss you, Donatella. Your influence, your vision, and your unforgettable moments will live on in every Versace creation for years to come.
Here are some of my favorite looks.
