Donatella Versace is an Italian fashion designer and businesswoman best known for her pivotal role in the success of the Versace brand following the tragic death of her brother, Gianni Versace.
She has been recognized for her contributions to fashion, thrust into the spotlight as the brand’s head of design in 1997 following Gianni’s murder.
Donatella’s bold and luxurious designs and her unique vision for the Versace brand have made her a force in the fashion industry.
She is also recognized for creating iconic looks, including Jennifer Lopez’s famous green dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards, which became a cultural phenomenon.
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- Full name: Donatella Francesca Versace
- Date of birth: May 2, 1955
- Age: 69 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Occupation: Fashion designer, Creative Director of Versace
- Height: 5 ft 4 in (1.65 m)
- Parents: Antonio Versace (father), Francesca Versace (mother)
- Siblings: Gianni Versace, Santo Versace, Tina Versace (deceased)
- Spouse: Paul Beck (divorced), Manuel Dallori (divorced)
- Children: Allegra Versace Beck, Daniel Versace Beck
- Relationship status: Single (as of 2024)
- Religion: Catholic
- Ethnicity: Italian
- Net worth: 400 million USD
Early life and education
Donatella Versace, now 69 years old, was born on May 2, 1955 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. She was the youngest of four siblings in a family that would soon become synonymous with high fashion.
Her mother, Francesca, was a dressmaker who introduced her children to fashion early, while her father, Antonio, worked as a salesman.
Unfortunately, her older sister Tina died of tetanus at a young age, making Donatella especially close to brothers Gianni and Santo.
Donatella initially pursued her studies in a foreign language, enrolling at the University of Florence with the intention of becoming a teacher.
However, she regularly visits her brother Gianni in Milan, where he is building his fashion empire.
Personal life
Donatella married American model Paul Beck in 1983 and they have two children, Allegra (born 1986) and Daniel (born 1989). ‘
The couple divorced in 2000. She then briefly married Manuel Dallori in 2004, but the marriage ended in 2005.
Allegra, who inherited 50% of the Versace empire after Gianni’s death, has frequently been the subject of media attention along with Donatella.
Struggling with the trauma of her brother’s murder in 1997, Donatella publicly battled cocaine addiction and entered rehab in 2004. Since then, she has overcome her addiction and continues to lead Leading the Versace brand into new territories.
Career
Donatella’s career began with her brother Gianni when he founded Versace in 1978. She initially planned to handle public relations but became an integral part of the creative process.
Gianni believed in her insight so much that he launched a separate perfume line, Versus, specifically for her and her own Blonde fragrance in the 1980s.
After Gianni was diagnosed with cancer in the mid-1990s, Donatella stepped up to take on more responsibility and, following his tragic murder in 1997, she became the creative head of Versace.
Under her leadership, the brand has survived and grown thanks to prominent advertising campaigns with celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore and Lady Gaga.
Donatella is also known for her work at the Palazzo Versace hotels in Australia and Dubai, further expanding the brand into luxury lifestyle markets.
prize
- 1996: De Beers International Diamond Award
- 2004: Bambi Award for fashion
- 2005: World Fashion Awards as Designer of the Year
- 2007: Rodeo Drive Style Award
- 2008: FGI Superstar Award
- 2010: Woman of the year voted by Glamor
- 2012 & 2016: Fashion Designer of the Year (Glamour)
- 2018: GQ Designer of the Year, CFDA International Awards
Net worth
Donatella Versace’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. Most of her wealth comes from her role as Creative Director.
Donatella’s stake in the company and her involvement in high fashion, luxury real estate and partnerships have contributed to her considerable wealth.
Social Media
- Instagram: @donatella_versace
- Twitter: @Versace
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