Donatella Versace is part of perhaps the most influential fashion family in the world. Alongside her siblings Gianni and Santo, Donatella built the Versace fashion house from the ground up. As the youngest sibling in the Versace family, Donatella was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1955. Like her brother Gianni, Donatella learned the art of design from their mother, who was a talented dressmaker. After leaving university, Donatella supported Gianni during the launch of his fashion house Versace in the late 1970s — acting as his "muse and critic" before being given control of Versace's "Versus" line. Over the years, Donatella took on a more active role in the business; she especially led Versace whilst Gianni was battling cancer in the mid-1990s.
However, shortly after Gianni's recovery, the legendary designer was murdered outside of his home in Miami, Florida, in 1997. In the wake of his tragic passing, Donatella took charge of the family's business. As chief creative officer, Donatella expanded the brand to include fragrance, accessories, home decor, and even hotels — not to mention reimagining both the Versus and haute couture line Atelier Versace. Though Donatella stepped down from her role as Versace's creative director in 2025, she remains at the forefront of her family's brand as Chief Brand Ambassador. Donatella's steadfast commitment to preserving her brother's legacy, solidifying her own, and influencing the fashion industry at large makes her quote of the day more relevant than ever.
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Donatella Versace understands firsthand how the way you dress can impact how you are perceived — both by other people and internally. During an interview with Vogue Australia in 2012, Donatella said, "Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it. I think my own look makes people think I'm tough but when they get to know me I'm very different. It's like armour that was useful to me in the first years after Gianni's death." Donatella utilized her style to navigate the public eye after her brother's passing, keeping up appearances even when she was at her lowest.
#fashion #versus
However, shortly after Gianni's recovery, the legendary designer was murdered outside of his home in Miami, Florida, in 1997. In the wake of his tragic passing, Donatella took charge of the family's business. As chief creative officer, Donatella expanded the brand to include fragrance, accessories, home decor, and even hotels — not to mention reimagining both the Versus and haute couture line Atelier Versace. Though Donatella stepped down from her role as Versace's creative director in 2025, she remains at the forefront of her family's brand as Chief Brand Ambassador. Donatella's steadfast commitment to preserving her brother's legacy, solidifying her own, and influencing the fashion industry at large makes her quote of the day more relevant than ever.
Read more: Taylor Swift Lives An Outrageously Lavish Life
Static Media
Donatella Versace understands firsthand how the way you dress can impact how you are perceived — both by other people and internally. During an interview with Vogue Australia in 2012, Donatella said, "Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it. I think my own look makes people think I'm tough but when they get to know me I'm very different. It's like armour that was useful to me in the first years after Gianni's death." Donatella utilized her style to navigate the public eye after her brother's passing, keeping up appearances even when she was at her lowest.
#fashion #versus
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