Donatella Versace is the younger sister of Gianni Versace and the current Vice President of the fashion house. She was born on May 2, 1955, in Reggio Calabria, Italy.
The Early Years
Donatella grew up in a family that was passionate about fashion. Her mother was a dressmaker and her brother, Gianni, was already making a name for himself in the fashion industry. Donatella’s interest in fashion started at an early age, and she would often help her mother with sewing projects.
In 1972, Donatella moved to Florence to study languages and met her future husband, American model Paul Beck. The couple got married in 1983 and had two children together.
Working with Gianni
In the early 1980s, Donatella started working for her brother’s fashion house as a designer and became his muse. She was instrumental in creating some of Gianni’s most iconic designs such as the safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley.
When Gianni was tragically murdered in 1997, Donatella took over as creative director of Versace. She continued to uphold her brother’s legacy by designing bold and glamorous collections that were loved by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga.
A Force in Fashion
Under Donatella’s leadership, Versace has grown into a global luxury brand with a presence in more than 100 countries. She has expanded the brand beyond just clothing by launching accessories collections such as eyewear, watches, and fragrances.
Donatella has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) and helped raise millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research.
The Legacy Continues
Today, Donatella Versace is one of the most powerful women in fashion. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the industry and was even honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Donatella’s dedication to preserving her brother’s legacy while also pushing the brand forward has made her an icon in the fashion world. Her designs are loved by countless people around the world, and she continues to inspire new generations of designers with her bold and glamorous style.
- Key Takeaways:
- Donatella Versace is the younger sister of Gianni Versace.
- She started working for her brother’s fashion house as a designer in the early 1980s.
- After Gianni’s death, Donatella took over as creative director of Versace.
- Under Donatella’s leadership, Versace has grown into a global luxury brand.
- She has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her career.
In Conclusion
Donatella Versace is a true force in fashion. From her early days as a designer to taking over as creative director after her brother’s death, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the Versace brand.
Her dedication to preserving Gianni’s legacy while also pushing the brand forward has made her an icon in the industry. Her designs continue to be loved by millions around the world, and she remains an inspiration to aspiring designers everywhere.