End of an era: 6 times Donatella Versace proved she is the ultimate fashion powerhouse
Donatella Versace has officially stepped down as Creative Director of Versace after three decades of shaping the brand¡¯s identity. From bold artistic influences to unforgettable red carpet moments (hello, J.Lo¡¯s jungle dress!), Donatella redefined luxury fashion. As Dario Vitale steps in, fashion lovers eagerly await the next chapter of the legendary house.

Donatella Versace did not just inherit a brand¡ªshe built an empire. After three decades of redefining high fashion with her fearless creativity, the legendary designer is officially stepping down as the Creative Director of Versace. And no, this isn¡¯t just another designer exit; it marks the end of an era in fashion history.
Key highlights of Donatella Versace over the years
From tragedy to triumph
When Gianni Versace tragically passed away in 1997, the world wondered if the brand could ever survive without its genius founder. Enter Donatella. With her signature platinum locks and unapologetic glam, she took the reins and transformed Versace into an even bigger force in fashion. The brand didn¡¯t just survive¡ªit thrived, making an impact that stretched far beyond just the runway.
Art meets fashion
Donatella knew that fashion wasn¡¯t just about clothes; it was about storytelling. Inspired by her brother¡¯s love for Andy Warhol¡¯s pop art, she infused bold, eye-catching prints into Versace¡¯s DNA. But she didn¡¯t stop there¡ªher collaboration with Kith in 2019 brought streetwear into the high-fashion space, giving the younger generation a taste of Versace¡¯s bold aesthetic. And let¡¯s not forget the extravagant Palazzo Versace hotels, where fashion met luxury living in the most opulent way possible.
Beyond the runway
Under Donatella, Versace became more than just a fashion brand¡ªit became a lifestyle. Home d¨¦cor, fragrances, hotels¡ªyou name it, Versace did it. And every venture carried the same opulent, maximalist energy that made the brand a global sensation.
The iconic J.Lo moment
If there¡¯s one moment that cemented Donatella¡¯s place in pop culture, it was that jungle-print dress. First, she rocked a version of it at the Met Gala in 1999, but it was Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards who turned it into a worldwide phenomenon. The dress was so iconic that it practically broke the internet (literally¡ªit led to the creation of Google Images). And when J.Lo strutted down the Versace Spring 2020 runway in an updated version? Fashion history was made again.
After the 2000 Grammys, millions of people took to the internet to see @jlo in the Jungle dress, making it one the most popular Google searches at the time, ultimately inspiring the creation of Google Images. #VersaceSS20 #MFW pic.twitter.com/OHlI0e5p3g
¡ª VERSACE (@Versace) September 20, 2019
Luxury for everyone
Donatella understood that fashion lovers didn¡¯t just exist in the elite circle of couture buyers. In 2011, she teamed up with H&M to create a more accessible Versace collection, proving that high fashion could be for everyone. The collab was a massive hit, selling out instantly and setting the stage for future designer collaborations with high-street brands.
What¡¯s next for Versace?
As Donatella steps down, all eyes are on Dario Vitale, former Miu Miu design director, who is set to take over. Will he keep the brand¡¯s signature boldness alive, or will Versace head in an entirely new direction? One thing is for sure¡ªfashion is about to witness a major shift.