{"id":100474,"date":"2025-03-17T14:26:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T14:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=100474"},"modified":"2025-03-17T14:26:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T14:26:47","slug":"donatella-versace-steps-down-iconic-fashion-moments","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/donatella-versace-steps-down-iconic-fashion-moments\/","title":{"rendered":"Donatella Versace Steps Down: The End of an Era & Her Most Iconic Fashion Moments"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Donatella
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: Donatella Versace attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Lionel Hahn\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a move that signals the end of a glamorous and boundary-pushing era<\/a>, Donatella Versace steps down as the creative director of Versace after nearly three decades at the helm<\/a>. But don\u2019t worry \u2014 this isn\u2019t goodbye forever. Donatella will remain an integral part of the brand, taking on the role of Chief Brand Ambassador, where she\u2019ll continue to champion Versace\u2019s bold spirit while focusing on charitable initiatives and brand values.<\/p>\n

The announcement comes as part of a larger leadership shift at Versace, which has been under the ownership of Capri Holdings since 2018. Starting April 1, Dario Vitale \u2014 formerly the design director at Miu Miu \u2014 will assume the position of Chief Creative Officer. It marks the first time in the brand’s history that someone outside the Versace family will lead its creative vision.<\/p>\n

\"Donatella
Italian fashion designers Gianni (1946 – 1997) and Donatella Versace at the launch for their new fragrance ‘Versace’s Blonde’, USA, circa 1996. (Photo by Rose Hartman\/Archive Photos\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Donatella\u2019s departure is a seismic shift for the fashion world, it also opens the door for a new chapter \u2014 one that will build on the legacy she crafted<\/a> while driving the house toward future innovation. And let\u2019s be honest: Donatella isn\u2019t one to fade quietly into the background. Her influence on fashion, pop culture, and the very idea of what it means to be \u201cVersace\u201d is woven into the brand’s DNA.<\/p>\n

As we prepare to turn the page, let\u2019s take a walk down the runway<\/a> and revisit some of Donatella Versace\u2019s most iconic moments from her reign as the queen of bold glamour.<\/p>\n

1. The Dress That Broke the Internet (Before It Was a Thing)<\/h3>\n
\"Donatella
Jennifer Lopez in a green silk chiffon dress by Versace at the 42nd Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, CA on February 23, 2000. Photo by Scott Gries\/ImageDirect<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2000, Donatella sent Jennifer Lopez to the Grammys in that<\/em> plunging green jungle-print dress. The sheer, daring Versace gown became an instant cultural phenomenon and led to the creation of Google Images (yes, really). In 2019, Donatella and J.Lo did it again, closing the Versace Spring\/Summer 2020 show with an updated version that proved lightning can strike twice.<\/p>\n

2. Gianni’s Legacy, Donatella’s Vision<\/h3>\n
\"\"
Model Angela Lindvall (Photo via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Gianni Versace was tragically murdered in 1997, Donatella took on the daunting task of continuing his legacy. Her Spring 1998 collection was her debut as creative director \u2014 and she nailed it. With a softer, more feminine touch, she made the brand her own while preserving Gianni\u2019s fearless aesthetic.<\/p>\n

3. The Supermodel Reunion of Our Dreams<\/h3>\n
\"\"
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 22: Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen walks the runway at the Versace Ready to Wear Spring\/Summer 2018 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week Spring\/Summer 2018 on September 22, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE\/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Milan Fashion Week in 2017, Donatella closed the Versace Spring 2018 show with a moment for the fashion history books. To honor the 20th anniversary of Gianni\u2019s passing, she brought out the original supermodels \u2014 Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen \u2014 draped in shimmering gold dresses. The audience (and the internet) lost their minds.<\/p>\n

4. Versace x Fendi: The Ultimate Fashion Crossover<\/h3>\n
\"\"
Kim Jones and Dontella Versace on the runway at Fendace RTW Spring 2022 (Photo by Aitor Rosas Sune\/WWD\/Penske Media via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2021, Donatella teamed up with Kim Jones of Fendi for a mind-blowing collaboration called \u201cFendace.\u201d The collection was a love letter to Italian luxury, blending Versace\u2019s high-octane glamour with Fendi\u2019s sleek sophistication. It was the ultimate power move that showcased Donatella\u2019s willingness to break the mold.<\/p>\n

5. A Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity<\/h3>\n
\"\"
A model walks the runway at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week Spring\/Summer 2019 on September 21, 2018 in Milan, Italy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Under Donatella\u2019s leadership, Versace became a platform for inclusivity and diversity. She championed models of all backgrounds, body types, and gender identities long before it became the industry norm. Her Spring 2019 show featured a mix of veteran supermodels and rising stars, sending a clear message: Everyone deserves to feel fabulous.<\/p>\n

6. Lady Gaga\u2019s 2012 Versace Era<\/h3>\n
\"Donatella
Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga on October 1, 2012 in Milan, Italy (Photo via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Donatella has always had a knack for blending fashion with pop culture. In 2012, she became muse and collaborator to Lady Gaga, dressing her in archival Versace for the Born This Way<\/em> tour. Gaga even wrote a song called “Donatella” in 2013, cementing their bond as one of the most fabulous fashion friendships ever.<\/p>\n

7. The Return of the Safety Pin Dress<\/h3>\n
\"\"
Photo Credits (L-R): LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 11: British actor Hugh Grant and his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley attend the post-premiere party for “Four Weddings And A Funeral” on May 11, 1994 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett\/Hulton Archive\/Getty Images); LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Dua Lipa poses in the press room with her awards for Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording for ‘Electricity,’ during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Dan MacMedan\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1994, Gianni Versace created a black dress held together by oversized gold safety pins, famously worn by Elizabeth Hurley. Donatella brought the look back in 2019, reinventing it with a modern twist for Dua Lipa’s Grammy red carpet moment. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia and reinvention \u2014 a Versace specialty.<\/p>\n

8. The Met Gala Masterpieces<\/h3>\n
\"\"
Photo Credits (L-R): Blake Lively at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City; NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Kim Kardashian West attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil\/FilmMagic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Donatella has delivered more than a few jaw-dropping Met Gala moments. From Blake Lively\u2019s heavenly gold and ruby gown in 2018 to Kim Kardashian\u2019s wet-look dress in 2019, her designs have become red carpet legends. And let\u2019s not forget her own dazzling appearance as co-chair of the 2018 \u201cHeavenly Bodies\u201d exhibit, proving she\u2019s as much a fashion icon as the women she dresses.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for Versace?<\/h3>\n
\"Donatella
Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace (second from right) with a group of models at the ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ fashion show, hosted by De Beers and Versace at Syon House in west London, 9th June 1999. Left to right: Erin O’Connor, Natane Adcock (later Natane Boudreau), Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Versace and Amber Valletta. (Photo by Dave Benett\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Dario Vitale takes the creative reins, all eyes will be on how he interprets Versace\u2019s legacy while carving out a fresh vision. Meanwhile, speculation is swirling that Capri Holdings may sell the brand to Prada in a billion-dollar deal \u2014 a move that could redefine the luxury fashion landscape.<\/p>\n

No matter what’s next, one thing is for sure: As Donatella Versace steps down, she leaves behind an indelible mark on the fashion world<\/a>. Her fearlessness, creativity, and unapologetic glamour have shaped not just a brand, but an entire cultural movement. And while this chapter may be closing, her influence is eternal.<\/p>\n

Long live the queen of Versace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42686,"featured_media":100491,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[17,16],"yoast_head":"\nDonatella Versace Steps Down: Her Most Iconic Fashion Moments<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Donatella Versace steps down as creative director. 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