Founded by the late Gianni Versace in 1978, the Italian label has produced some of the most memorable experiences in fashion history. The label also became an iconic symbol of sexual exuberance in the mid-80s, with its colorful and animal prints featured on the runway, which featured supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista.
Unfortunately, however, the brand's future came at a decisive turning point when Gianni was murdered by assassin Andrew Cunanan in 1997. It was Gianni's younger sister Donatella who didn't let Versace hesitate. Shortly after his death, she took over as creative director of the brand, and since then, the House of Versace has experienced a revival.
1. Family business.
Since the death of Gianni Versace, the label has remained a family business. Along with being the label's creative director, Donatella is vice president of the Versace Group and owns 20 percent of the brand. Elder brother Santo Versace owns 30%, and Donatella's daughter, Allegra, inherited 50% of the entire company. In 1998, Donatella presented her first WFP collection in Milan; Participants included the likes of Demi Moore, Sir George and Anna Wintour. The spring versace collection opened with a projected handwritten line in neon that read: "This show is dedicated to our brother Gianni." Donatella received a standing ovation at the end of the show.
2. Life and children
In 1987, Donatella married Paul Beck, an American model. Beck first worked for Armani in the 80s and later met with Gianni and Donatella and became a brand consultant. The couple had two children, Allegra and Daniel. Despite the two later divorcing, Beck continued to work at Versace and they had a friendly relationship. “In the beginning it was more difficult. But after a while, after you separate... you'll get over what's tearing you apart. I don't think we could work in the same city together though, Donatella said of her ex.
3. Dress.
Although Donatella made a successful transition as head of Versace after her brother's death, there was one major fashion statement that solidified her as a designer. In 2000, at the 42nd Grammy Awards, Jennifer Lopez stroked everyone by stepping out in a gorgeous "jungle" of green, silky sheer chiffon. Lopez made the red carpet rounds with her boyfriend at the time, Sean Combs, but the "wow factor" of the dress couldn't be fully seen. It wasn't until she took the stage with actor David Duchovny to present the award that audiences actually loaded up on a low-cut dress that stretched below the navel. Needless to say, it was a dress that everyone couldn't stop talking about. The Fashion Museum named it "Dress of the Year" in 2000 and it is considered the fifth best red rug in fashion history.
4. Look.
It's hard to pull off patchy bleached hair, tight outfits and super tans all year round, but Donatella has been rocking it for decades - whether people like it or not. The 58-year-old has mocked her appearance for centuries, but she obviously doesn't mind. In 2010, comedian Maya Rudolph spoofed a fashion designer during her time on Saturday Night Live, and Donatella responded with gusto. "I called Maya to give her some advice," she told Joy Behar, adding, "If you're going to impersonate me, do it right." When asked how she keeps herself looking younger, she said in her thick accent, "Haven" Did you hear? I sleep every night in the freezer! »
5. Versace Now.
Although the brand is close to selling a minority stake in the company to Italian investors, the Versace family still has very strong control over the fashion label. Today, Versace is as relevant as ever, and even recently collaborated with H&M to create a collection for budget designers.
And then there's the Lady Gaga factor. She and Donatella have been spotted together at various fashion events, but recently the pop star has included her fashion part in a song for her new album titled "Cake Like Lady Gaga". In it she sings: I drop like Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga in that b*tch / I roll all day f*cking, Donatella on your hoes / Donatella got them clothes / Donatella that was fo'sho. So what did Donatella think of this "love letter"? “I would like to thank Gaga for her genius, creativity, incredible talent and superstitious nature,” she said.
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