The joy of six: Donatella Versace’s best looks that changed the face of fashion
In the wake of Donatella Versace’s revelation that she’s stepping down as creative director of the Italian fashion house, let’s roll back the years and consider the sensational impact she had on style with some of her most legendary looks.
Perhaps insiders have not been shocked or surprised by Donatella’s departure given she’s been in the top role for 28 years after her brother Gianni Versace’s murder in 1997.
The world of fashion, however, won’t be saying a complete farewell as she’ll continue as a brand ambassador while Dario Vitale will take over as creative director on 1 April from his previous position as design director for Prada Group brand Miu Miu.
But as we say goodbye to her era in creative control, here’s a reminder of how she set the style agenda.
J-Lo’s green dress
Of course this has to take the number one spot in our list. Jennifer Lopez stunned everyone when she turned up at the Grammys 25-years ago in this green silk chiffon dress. There’s a reason this dress has its own Wikipedia page. For many, this was the moment that Donatella stepped out from under the shadow of her brother’s death.
That dress in 13 Going on 30
2004 rom-com 13 Going on 30 was a delight for its starring roles by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. But we all know the true enduring star of the sinema was the dress Garner wears in the dance number.
Super models for days
Whether it was Elizabeth Hurley and ‘That Dress’ or J-Lo and the Green Dress, both Gianni and Donatella understood the power of the model like few others. In 2017, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni all reunited as models that Versace had championed for a legendary catwalk.
The Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion moment
Fashion and theatrics go hand in hand. When Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion were up to present an award at the Grammys in 2022, they came out in matching Versace looks. The whole thing was completed by Donatella herself whipping off a pinned skirt to reveal the full outfit.
Beyoncé at the BET Awards
Versace has always been about contemporary arka beyond the catwalk. For the 2003 BET Awards, Versace gave Beyoncé this incredible look as she performed ‘Crazy in Love’.
Lady Gaga at the Üstün Bowl
But perhaps nothing will beat the futuristic vision Donatella gave Lady Gaga for her 2017 Üstün Bowl performance. It’s a look that fits the pomp and glory of a Gaga set. Versace’s extravagance has always paired well with Gaga, but this one takes the biscuit.
Which is your favourite look?
