It’s official: Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director of the Italian label, marking the end of an era for one of fashion’s most influential houses. After taking over in 1997 following the tragic loss of her brother, Gianni, Donatella not only kept Versace alive, she made it bigger, bolder and even more glamorous.

Now, after nearly three decades at the helm and over 100 collections, she’s handing over the reins once and for all. The brand has announced that Dario Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, will be taking over as chief creative officer – making him the very first designer outside the Versace family to lead the house in 47 years. A big shift, to say the least.

Versace has always been about spectacle, from its stunning catwalk moments to its glittering celebrity looks. But Donatella didn’t just put on a show; she shaped how we think about confidence, power dressing and individuality. 

“What’s amazing about Donatella at Versace, is that she has been creative director at the brand for almost three decades when many of the top houses are still headed up by men,” says Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber. “The woman herself was as inspiring to me as the clothes she created. I was always craning my neck to see a glimpse of her iconic white blonde hair and all-black look at the end of every show.”

With her departure, it feels like the perfect time to look back at some of the most unforgettable Versace moments – because if there’s one thing Donatella did best, it was making fashion feel larger than life. 

From Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez to the return of the 90s supermodels, keep scrolling to see Donatella Versace’s best catwalk and red-carpet looks.

The Tribute collection 1997

Donatella’s first collection after the devastating loss of her brother. Her designs, emotional yet powerful, set the tone for her era, paying tribute to Gianni, while marking the beginning of a new chapter in fashion.

Angelina Jolie at the 2005 premiere of Mr & Mrs Smith

Angelina Jolie owned the red carpet at the 2005 premiere of Mr & Mrs Smith in a black Versace gown. The look is a perfect reflection of Donatella’s ability to create stunning, sensual designs, which became a hallmark of Versace under her reign.

Jennifer Lopez at the Grammys 2000

There are moments in fashion that become legendary and Jennifer Lopez’s iconic green tropical print Versace gown at the 2000 Grammys is one of them. 

The ‘safety pin’ dress 

It’s clear that Donatella has masterfully kept the spirit of Gianni and 90s Versace alive. At the 2022 Grammys, Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion both wore striking black Versace looks with gold safety pins threaded through the sides. This was a homage to one of the brand’s most iconic designs which first famously graced Elizabeth Hurley at the Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere back in 1994.

The supermodel comeback in 2017

Now, this was quite something. Milan Fashion Week 2017 saw an unforgettable reunion: Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer all returned to the catwalk for Versace. This show wasn’t just a tribute to Gianni, but it was a full-on revival of the 90s supermodel era. 

We loved and continue to love everything about this show. It presented the cyclical nature of fashion, where trends and icons come full circle, reminding us that sometimes the best of the past is worth revisiting. 

Images: Getty