Donatella Versace

Donatella Versace is a renowned Italian fashion designer and businesswoman, known for her leadership and creative direction of the luxury fashion house Versace. After the establishment of the Versace brand in 1978, Donatella Versace served as vice president, collaborating closely on the brand’s image, styling, and the design of accessories, shoes, and handbags. Her creative input positioned her as a key partner in shaping the distinctive Versace aesthetic. Following the passing of Gianni Versace in 1997, Donatella Versace assumed the pivotal role of Creative Director for the Versace brand.

In 2018, she received the International CFDA Award, a year that also saw the landmark sale of the family’s company to Michael Kors Holdings for an impressive $2.1 billion, solidifying Versace’s strategic market position. Her unwavering commitment to social impact was recognized in 2023 with the Humanitarian Award for Equity and Inclusivity at the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italia Sustainable Fashion Awards. Continuing her impact, Donatella received the coveted Game Changer Honor at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards (GCFA) in 2024. In March 2025, Donatella Versace announced her departure as CEO of Versace, a position she had held for nearly 28 years, marking the end of a transformative era for the iconic luxury house as Dario Vitale was appointed as her successor.