The woman behind Versace: Donatella Versace

When you think of the most popular clothing brands, there is no chance of the word ‘Versace’ not coming up. Founded originally by Gianni Versace in Milan, the brand became internationally famous after Elizabeth Hurley wore a black dress to a film premiere. After Gianni Versace’ death, however, the brand was taken over by his brother, and his sister Donatella Versace as the Vice President.

Donatella is fashion designer and currently the chief designer of the brand. Describing herself as “the baby of the family,” Donatella reveals she was a spoilt child who started donning her signature look- blonde hair and lots of eye-liner right from when she was a teenager, according to Biography.com. She came into the limelight a year after her brother’s death when she had her first couture show for the Versace Atelier.

With her admirable PR skills (a field she had wanted to pursue when young,) she popularized Versace throughout the States and Europe. Her friendship with some of the biggest stars like Lil' Kim, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Courtney Love, Christina Aguilera, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Demi Moore, and Lady Gaga, helped her to further establish her brand.

Donatella Versace with Lady Gaga
Picture By: You Tube

After designing one of the most iconic dresses of recent times- the green ‘Jungle Dress’ worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys, she became one of the most sort after fashion designers in the world. Soon after, Donatella ventured into the real estate market: she is the creative Director of their under-construction project in Dubai, Palazzo Versace Dubai.

The woman who once famously said, “It's no good being too easily swayed by people's opinions. You have to believe in yourself,” -has continued to hold her own. Today, when she turns 60 years old, her work remains as fresh and new as that black dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley two decades ago.

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