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For the past day, the fashion world has been reeling from the news of stepping down as Creative Director of her namesake brand. The platinum-blonde powerhouse, who has reigned over the label for nearly three decades, announced her departure on March 13.

The leadership switch-up is major – signifying the closing of a chapter of the iconic brand that defines ultra-sexy, celebrity-approved, over-the-top luxury.

When Donatella took over following the tragic loss of her brother, , in 1997, she didn’t just maintain his vision—she modernized it.

She brought the house into the 21st century with an unapologetic, high-glam aesthetic that dripped confidence and allure.

And she did it her way.

The fashion world wasn’t convinced she could keep up its legacy. Donatella didn’t have formal fashion training (her words, not ours—she once called working with her brother her “ fashion school “).

But instead of trying to imitate Gianni’s work, she made Versace her own.

Donatella set the tone for what it means to be an “it girl” designer. Because of her, Versace is a cultural phenomenon, cemented in trend, music, film, and some of the most unforgettable red carpet moments.

As the song goes: Versace, Versace, Versace.

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One of the best things about Donatella as a designer is that she sees all people.

As Creative Director, she used her personal and professional platforms to speak for marginalized communities and was/is a staunch LGBTQIA+ advocate. She talked to Harper’s Bazaar UK in 2023 about using her fame to make things better.

“It’s not important for me, fame. It’s important for me to have a platform to talk to the young generation, because they are always in my mind, what all the world is going through: the LGBTQ+ movement, people being very racist, still today, which is unthinkable in this world,” she said . “And it’s not just talking about that; one needs to do something about that.”

In an industry that still struggles with diversity, Donatella has always embraced it. Some of our favorite Black and Brown fashion slayers have been dressed by Donatella.

sheer, jungle-print gown at the 2000 Grammys? That was Donatella. The dress was so iconic it reportedly led to the creation of Google Images. Talk about fashion-driven pop culture impact!

glowing in a teal-green gown at the Met Gala while pregnant? Also Donatella. recent sultry white paneled gown at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty? A vintage Versace pull – initially worn by lera in 2003 – that’s Donatella, too.

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Donatella’s departure is a turning point for the brand. For the first time since its founding in 1978, Versace’s creative direction will no longer be led by a member of the Versace family.

Capri Holdings (formerly Michael Kors) currently owns the label, but fashion insiders speculate about an even bigger shift—rumors suggest Prada has an exclusive bidding window to potentially acquire Versace .

In her farewell announcement, Donatella expressed gratitude for her time as creative director, reassuring fans that Versace will always be in her DNA. And while she may be stepping away from the design side, she’s not leaving entirely—her new role as global ambassador suggests she will still influence the brand’s image and legacy.

Versace’s identity has been synonymous with Donatella’s bold aesthetic for so long that any major change feels significant. While transitions in creative leadership are expected in fashion, this one comes with an added layer of uncertainty.

Will Versace maintain its signature extravagance, or will new leadership take it in a different direction? And if a sale to Prada happens, what does that mean for the brand’s future in luxury fashion?

As we ponder these questions, we also look back at some of the most iconic red carpet Versace moments she gave us. Thanks to Donatella Versace, there are many to choose from.