Italian Fashion Designer and Costume Designer
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$200 Million
“Many young people don't know what Versace represents. I want to show what makes Versace an iconic brand.” Donatella Versace may be known as a glamorous fashion designer, but she’s also demonstrated that she’s a strong, independent woman capable of paving the way for future generations of women.
Versace began working for her brother, Gianni Versace near the end of the 70s. She proved to be a muse for her brother, but she soon proved to be much more than just that; she would go on to change the course of the company's trajectory.
Versace was born and raised in a fashion-forward family and over the years, she has earned her own reputation as a designer, icon, and creative powerhouse. She’s best known for her work in the Versace group, and her work has appeared on runways, Hollywood’s red carpets, and sets of movies and music videos including Madonna’s Take a Bow.
What’s the 64-year-old’s secret to success? How did the baby of a fashion family blossom to create a name for herself? We thought you’d never ask!
The Family Business
Donatella Francesca Versace was born into a family of designers on May 2, 1955 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Her mother owned a dressmaking business, which sparked her initial love of haute couture. As for the Versace empire that we know today, Versace says, “Gianni created the whole thing. I came later and helped him.” Founded in 1978 as Gianni Versace SpA, the business was owned by Gianni, while Danto (Versace’s other brother) served as CEO.
Although Versace briefly attended a Florentine university, she ultimately left to pursue a career with her brother. At first, Versace served as a design muse for her brother, but she made it clear she had a lot to give to the company. She created advertising campaigns, orchestrated fashion shows, and networked with celebrities like Madonna to garner publicity for the brand.
In 1993 Gianni was diagnosed with a form of cancer that affects the inner ear, and it was during this time that Versace traded in her role of “muse” for “chief designer” of the Versus line. She took on more responsibility in the company while her brother focused on his health. During his two-year battle with cancer, Versace established her leadership within the company, running the company in her brother’s absence. This was also around the same time that the Versace siblings created a succession plan for the entire empire.
Rising Star: Artistic Director of Versace
Although Gianni fought – and won – his battle with cancer, he lost his life just four short years after his initial diagnosis. Gianni succumbed to fatal wounds on July 15, 1997 in his home in Miami, Florida.
“In my life, I had no other choice than to become a strong person,” Versace said of her own strength and resolution. Although Versace struggled with her brother’s passing, she did not abandon her post in the business. She earned the position of artistic director of the entire Versace empire.
Versace’s fame skyrocketed in 2000 when Jennifer Lopez donned Versace’s infamous green dress to the 42nd Grammy Awards. Versace continued to build relationships with other celebrities including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera. 2000 was a big year for Versace for another reason: it was the year the Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, a luxury resort, opened in Queensland, Australia.
Establishing Her Own Vision
Versace worked tirelessly to maintain a cutting-edge and fresh element to the entire Versace line. She commissioned Christopher Kane to revamp the Versus line in 2009. Versace left nothing untouched. Even the Atelier Versace line was reinvented. In regards to change, Versace said, “It's very important for a brand to have an identity through the years, but it's very important as well to evolve because times change so fast.”
Her unique vision for the Versace name has earned her the Woman of the Year award (2010), Fashion Designer of the Year (2012). She made history as the first woman to receive GQ’s Designer of the Year Award (2018).
Despite the unparalleled success, Versace never lost her humility. She said, “Something has to change in the world. Without change, young people will have no future.” With this in mind, Versace participated in charity work that gathered art supplies for children. She also is active in and contributes to many charitable organizations (including Elton John's foundation).
Versace didn’t stop with high fashion. She appeared in several documentaries and films as herself, including Zoolander. She continued to make her mark in Hollywood through serving as a costume designer for several movies. The infatuation with the Versace family continued to grow, and eventually The House of Versace (2013) hit TV networks with a dose of high fashion.
Today, the Versace empire has grown beyond the runway. Versace markets clothing (for men, women, and children), furniture, home goods (including linens, dining sets, and cutlery) and luxurious personal fragrances. Versace opened a second luxury hotel, the Palazzo Versace Dubai, in 2015 with plans to build Palazzo Versace Macau in China in the near future.
Donatella’s creativity and hard work continue to expand upon her brother’s vision.
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