Are you curious to know some intriguing facts about the fashion icon, Donatella Versace? Well, who isn’t, right? Let’s check them out.
Born Donatella Francesca Versace on May 2, 1955, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, Donatella Versace is the youngest daughter of Francesca and Antonio. She is the beloved younger sister of the late Gianni Versace. Besides Gianni, Donatella has another brother, Santo Versace, who is a businessman and politician, and a deceased elder sister, Tina.
Donatella is a talented woman. Apart from being a socialite, she is a fashion designer, just like her brother Gianni, a businesswoman, and a model. She didn’t become the creative director of Versace for nothing.
One of Italy’s most famous faces, do we really know Donatella that well? In this article, we will somehow get to know the woman behind that famous face. We will delve into some intriguing facts about Donatella Versace, the youngest and ever-successful daughter of the Versace family.
16 Intriguing Facts About Donatella Versace
Are you ready for some intriguing facts about Donatella Versace? Let’s jump in!
1. Donatella’s Versace’s signature look is the blonde hair with a dark eyeliner
Donatella Versace’s journey into this signature look began at the young age of 11.
She shared a profound connection with her brother Gianni, and in a heartfelt tribute to his idol, the singer Patty Pravo, she decided to change her hair color to blonde.
Since that meaningful decision, Donatella has maintained her blonde locks and paired them with a striking dark eyeliner, a combination that has become synonymous with her image.
It’s a testament to the enduring influence of family and personal connections on one’s style choices.
2. The young Donatella used to make weekend trips from Florence to Milan to work with her brother Gianni
This was during her time studying in Florence. However, her mother wasn’t too thrilled about the idea and would occasionally surprise Donatella with visits to check up on her.
Donatella’s dedication and passion for her work were undeniable, and it’s no surprise that she achieved huge success back then and continues to do so today.
Her journey from those early days to the present has been marked by her unwavering commitment to her craft.
3. The young Donatella’s passion was in the fashion industry despite studying language and literature
Even though Donatella initially focused on studying literature and language in Florence, she had an undeniable calling for the world of fashion.
From a young age, she embarked on journeys alongside her brothers to seek out potential customers and promoters for the upcoming Versace brand. Their three-week tour in the United States stands out as a testament to her unwavering determination and passion for the industry.
This journey was a pivotal moment in her path to becoming a prominent figure in the fashion world.
4. Donatella is a creative and hands-on vice president of Versace
Back in 1978, when the Versace company first took its fashion steps, Donatella Versace became its vice president. But what’s fascinating is that she didn’t just hold a title; she was deeply involved in the company – and still is.
Donatella brought her creativity to the table, shaping and crafting the very image of this famous Italian fashion brand. She dabbled in designing accessories, shoes, and handbags, adding her personal touch to the brand.
But her influence didn’t stop there. She played a pivotal role in securing the future headquarters and showroom for Versace. Through a successful bid, Donatella acquired a magnificent palazzo at Via Gesu 12 in Milan, a location that would become an essential part of Versace’s story.
Donatella Versace’s dedication and vision have left a great mark on the fashion world and continues to do so today.
5. She got married twice, and divorced both times
While Donatella Versace has undoubtedly found success in her career, her personal life has faced its share of ups and downs.
Around a year after the establishment of the Versace fashion empire, Donatella tied the knot with Paul Beck.
Paul Beck, an American fashion model, was initially invited by Donatella to model for Versace. This led to their marriage in 1983 after knowing each other for two years. Their union brought two children into the world: Allegra, who would later succeed her mother as the creative force behind Versace; and Daniel, who ventured into a different path as a rock musician.
Sadly, Donatella and Paul’s marriage came to an end in 2000.
Afterward, Donatella took another chance at love when she married Manuel Dallori, an Italian businessman and entrepreneur, in 2004. However, their marriage, too, faced challenges, and they eventually divorced in 2005.
Donatella’s life has been a journey marked by both triumphs and trials, showing that even in the world of fashion, personal relationships can be as complex as they come.
6. Donatella was Gianni’s muse
Photo: @donatella_versace via Instagram
Donatella Versace and her brother Gianni had a special and creative partnership from the very beginning of Versace.
Beyond their professional ties, they shared an incredibly close sibling bond that started when they were just kids. Gianni held Donatella in high regard, not only as a sibling but also as his beloved sister.
Their relationship was marked by heartfelt gestures. Gianni gifted Donatella a striking yellow diamond ring when he introduced her to the Versus line of perfume. Even before that, he had dedicated the New Blonde perfume to her as a testament to their deep connection and affection for each other.
This showcases not only the professional collaboration between the two but also the strong family ties that made Versace more than just a fashion brand — it was a reflection of their shared passion and love.
7. Donatella and most of the Versace family stayed in a secluded Caribbean private resort after Gianni was shot dead
On the fateful morning of July 15, 1997, the world was shocked when the famous Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot and killed in his Miami Beach house.
In the aftermath of this shocking event, Donatella Versace sought solace and privacy. She, along with many members of the Versace family, retreated to a secluded private resort in the Caribbean.
Throughout this period, the entire globe was captivated by the relentless pursuit of the person responsible for what had evolved into one of the most extensively covered crimes of that year.
The juxtaposition of the Versace family’s retreat in the Caribbean and the global quest for answers injected an element of fascination and intricacy into this sorrowful chapter in the annals of fashion.
8. She had undergone rehab for her cocaine addiction
Photo: @donatella_versace via Instagram
Donatella faced immense pressure at work and endured profound grief after Gianni’s passing.
During this difficult time, she candidly revealed that she had struggled with cocaine addiction for 15 years of her life. It wasn’t until 2004, with the support and intervention of Elton John, that she decided to take a courageous step and entered rehab to break free from this addiction.
Following her successful rehabilitation journey, Donatella faced another challenge as she became a heavy smoker. However, her determination to overcome these harmful habits remained unwavering.
In 2014, she made the bold decision to quit smoking for good, marking another significant milestone in her journey towards a healthier and happier life.
9. Donatella Versace loves music
Just as many musicians and singers adore Versace’s creations, so does Donatella have a profound love for music. Turning up the volume while working in her Milan studio is something she enjoys immensely. She even lip-syncs to Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor.”
She revels in attending concerts, from Guns N’ Roses to Lady Gaga, often mingling with famous artists. Lady Gaga even penned the song “Donatella” in her honor. Donatella has developed close friendships with many of them, particularly Elton John and Prince.
Donatella personally selects the music for all Versace events, choosing artists who share her passion for the brand. In 2016, she even shared unreleased songs by Prince during Versace’s presentation at Milan Fashion Week.
She also took on the role of reviewing Mariah Carey’s album Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. And how did it come about that Zayn Malik, formerly of the disbanded One Direction band, became Versace’s rock star designer?
Perhaps this is the very reason why her son, Daniel, chose a career in the music industry rather than in fashion.
10. Donatella Versace’s creation contributed to the birth of Google Images
Donatella Versace has had some fascinating connections with celebrities who adore Versace’s creations.
In 2000, she took a hands-on approach by personally designing Jennifer Lopez’s unforgettable “Green Jungle” dress for the 42nd Grammy Awards.
Little did anyone know, this dress would make history by contributing to the birth of Google Images. It became the most searched dress image at that time, capturing the world’s attention.
But even before this iconic moment, Donatella had already proven her knack for creating designs that perfectly complement the female form. Remember that stunning black dress Elizabeth Hurley wore to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994? It became an instant classic.
11. Donatella’s influence extends to music royalty
Photo: @donatella_versace via Instagram
The Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, and the avant-garde Lady Gaga, whom Donatella deeply admires, have both been iconic faces of Versace for several years.
It’s clear that Donatella’s designs resonate with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, making Versace a symbol of glamor and sophistication.
12. Donatella’s designs are not limited to fashion
From the very start, Donatella Versace has been actively involved in shaping the design of Versace’s products.
But her creative talents go beyond fashion. She also played a significant role in designing the luxurious Pallazo Versace resort in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Additionally, she was a key figure in the creation of the Pallazo Versace in Dubai.
What’s even more intriguing is her design prowess extends beyond the world of fashion and hospitality. Donatella Versace even put her creative touch on a Mini Cooper for the Life Ball, a charitable event held in Vienna, Austria, that supports individuals living with AIDS or HIV.
Her dedication to design and philanthropy shines through in her diverse and impactful projects.
13. She is a well-known advocate of AIDS and other causes
Donatella Versace, along with the Versace Foundation, has been a dedicated supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation since 1992. Donatella shares a close friendship with the British singer.
In early 2023, Donatella pledged herself and her company to raise an impressive $300,000. This generous sum will be matched through a donation event set to take place during Pride Month within the next five years.
The goal of the Elton John AIDS Foundation is ambitious but crucial – to put an end to AIDS by the year 2030 through their campaigns and advocacy.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Donatella and her daughter Allegra donated £200,000 for San Raffaelle Hospital ICU in Milan, Italy.
Prior to that, in 2008 Donatella was also involved in Jet Li One Foundation where she designed a Versace/One Foundation logo and limited edition merchandise.
14. Donatella Versace appeared in the AW15 campaign of Versace’s direct competitor, Givenchy, in 2015
Despite being competitors in the fashion industry, Ricardo Tisci, the former creative director of Givenchy, held a deep affection for the Versace family, particularly Gianni Versace and his brand.
Tisci saw Donatella Versace as the ideal embodiment of the brand’s concept, which revolved around communities that share common ideals and aesthetics.
Interestingly, both Donatella Versace and Tisci expressed their appreciation for each other in posts on their Instagram accounts. It’s heartwarming to see mutual respect and admiration among fashion icons, even in a competitive field like haute couture!
15. Donatella Versace is truly an iconic and accomplished woman in the world of fashion
Donatella was the first woman to be awarded the Designer of The Year by GQ UK and China in 2018. Admitting she was a feminist, Donatella felt proud and honored to receive this distinction. GQ is a renowned men’s magazine.
She truly became an iconic figure as, in the same year, she also received the Fashion Icon Award from GQ in Berlin. Furthermore, in 2017, she was honored as the Fashion Icon of the Year by the British Fashion Council.
Her first-ever award came in 1996 when she received the Dee Beers Diamond International Award for her diamond and gold tiara design, produced by Gianni Versace. She was also a two-time awardee for the position of Honorary Chairman of Fashion Fringe in 2008 and 2009.
Donatella was recognized as Glamour’s Fashion of the Year awardee in both 2012 and 2016. Additionally, she was presented with the FGI Superstar Award in 2008.
These are just a few of the many awards she has received throughout her illustrious career.
16. Donatella inherited 20% of Gianni Viersace’s fortune
Donatella inherited 20% of the Versace brand’s shares following Gianni’s death in 1997. Their brother Santo Versace got 30%, and the remaining 50% was given to Allegra.
Despite her net worth being already too substantial for Donatella to spend in her lifetime, she still currently works as the chief creative director of Versace, which is now a division of Capri Holdings, formerly known as the American fashion brand Michael Kors.