Donatella Versace is a name that is synonymous with fashion. She is the sister of the late Gianni Versace, who founded the iconic fashion brand, Versace.
Since his untimely death in 1997, Donatella has taken over as the creative director of the company. But how much of Versace did Donatella inherit? Let’s take a closer look.
Gianni Versace’s Legacy
Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer who founded the Versace brand in 1978. Over the years, he built a fashion empire that included clothing, accessories, fragrances, and even home furnishings. His designs were known for their bold prints, bright colors, and luxurious materials.
Unfortunately, Gianni’s life was cut short when he was tragically murdered outside his Miami Beach home in 1997. He was just 50 years old at the time of his death.
The Inheritance
After Gianni’s death, it was initially unclear who would inherit his stake in the company. However, it was eventually revealed that Gianni had left 50% of his shares to his niece Allegra Versace and 20% each to his siblings Santo and Donatella.
This means that Donatella did indeed inherit a significant portion of the company. However, it’s worth noting that she didn’t take over as creative director immediately after Gianni’s death. She initially took on a more behind-the-scenes role before stepping into her brother’s shoes in 1998.
Donatella’s Impact
Since taking over as creative director, Donatella has put her own stamp on the brand while still staying true to its roots. Her designs are often more daring and edgy than her brother’s were but still maintain that signature Versace style.
Under Donatella’s leadership, Versace has continued to be a major player in the fashion industry. The brand has expanded into new markets and even collaborated with other brands like H&M and Supreme.
The Bottom Line
So, how much of Versace did Donatella inherit? She inherited 20% of the company, which is a significant stake.
However, her impact on the brand goes far beyond her ownership stake. As creative director, she has helped to shape the brand into what it is today and continues to innovate and push boundaries.
Overall, Donatella Versace’s contributions to the fashion industry cannot be overstated. She has taken the legacy left by her brother and built upon it in exciting new ways. The future of Versace looks bright under her leadership.