Donatella Versace turns 70 years: A legacy of resilience and reinvention
Two gunshots abruptly ended Gianni Versace 's life. On July 15, 1997, after returning from his morning walk to Casa Casuarina, his Miami Beach villa on Ocean Drive, the celebrated Italian designer was ambushed by a gunman. Two bullets struck him in the back of the head. Gianni collapsed on the white marble steps of his property and later died at the hospital.
At the time, Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace, was preparing for an upcoming fashion show. Upon hearing the devastating news, she immediately rushed to Florida. The future of the Versace brand seemed uncertain. Yet Donatella swiftly stepped up as chief designer, taking over the reins of the company. On Friday, May 2, she celebrates her 70th birthday.
The murder not only robbed Donatella of her closest confidant but also plunged her into a deep personal crisis. 'My brother's death was so brutal that I remained in a severe state of shock for years without properly processing it. I was his shadow—we lived together, both professionally and personally,' she once told Vogue.
Cocaine, cosmetic surgery, and depression
After taking over the company in 1997, Donatella—once Gianni's muse—faced immense pressure. Struggling with depression, her life became more defined by drugs and cosmetic surgery than by fashion. The industry harshly criticized her early collections as examples of garish luxury, and the company soon found itself deep in debt. Donatella's personal spending habits and reported diva-like behavior only added to the turbulence.
Born in Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, Versace hit rock bottom during this period. British singer and close friend Elton John recognized her struggles and persuaded her to seek treatment for drug addiction. Following her time in rehab, her personal life slowly began to recover.
The road to recovery was difficult, but Donatella persevered. The company gradually regained its footing, and profits returned. Her flair for theatricality and pop culture left a lasting imprint on the fashion world. While her bold leopard prints and the iconic Medusa logo did not appeal to everyone, loyal Versace enthusiasts continue to invest thousands of dollars in her designs.
A favorite among celebrities
Once viewed merely as her brother's shadow and often mocked by critics, Donatella Versace transformed herself into an undisputed matriarch of fashion. Today, she is adored by some of the world's biggest stars. Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Angelina Jolie have all worn her daring designs. In 2000, when Jennifer Lopez wore a plunging green Versace gown to the Grammy Awards, the public frenzy over the dress famously led to the creation of Google Image search.
Despite her success, Donatella often faced ridicule over her appearance. Critics targeted her smooth forehead, taut cheeks, platinum hair, and sun-kissed, heavily lined features. For years, her plumped lips, deep-set eyes, and bronzed complexion defined her look. However, late last year, her appearance made headlines again after fans noticed a surprisingly fresh and natural-looking photo posted on her Instagram account.
For months, tabloids speculated about her updated appearance. Was it clever retouching—or another cosmetic procedure? At subsequent public appearances, Donatella continued to display her refreshed look. 'Donatella has a new face,' one social media user commented, while another wrote, 'She looks absolutely fantastic.'
A farewell to Versace on the eve of her birthday
Donatella Versace boasts an impressive list of achievements. Under her leadership, the Versace brand grew into an even more powerful global force. Donatella herself became a living legend—Lady Gaga even dedicated a song to her—and she rarely misses a major red carpet event. Her name is recognized even beyond the fashion world.
However, just before turning 70 and after nearly three decades at the helm, Donatella stepped down as chief designer, passing the creative reins to a new generation. She now serves as Versace's chief brand ambassador, marking the end of an era.
Soon after her transition, Italian rival Prada acquired the Versace brand. Donatella appears at peace with the shift. She posted a photo on Instagram alongside Prada's matriarch, Miuccia Prada, writing that she intends to support the new era 'in every possible way.' One thing unites Donatella and Miuccia: for decades, both women have held their ground in Italy's historically male-dominated fashion industry.
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