Changes in leadership within the fashion world are not recent occurrences, but this week’s shifts may significantly alter the looks on Hollywood red carpets – potentially starting with the Met Gala on May 5. The question arises whether celebrities rushed to contact their stylists on Thursday, when Donatella Versace revealed her intention to step down from design responsibilities and serve as the brand’s ambassador instead, leaving former Miu Miu designer Dario Vitale to take over as creative director. To add to the excitement, just minutes after Donatella’s announcement, it was disclosed that Demna is parting ways with Balenciaga to assume the position of creative director at Gucci, which might have sent any stylist into a state of panic.
Supporting the upcoming generation of designers has always held significant value for me,” Donatella expressed in a statement issued on Thursday. “Being entrusted with upholding my brother Gianni’s legacy has been the pinnacle of my life’s achievements. He was the real genius, yet I strive to embody some of his brilliance and determination. In my freshly appointed position as chief brand ambassador, I will continue to be Versace’s most fervent advocate. Versace is deeply ingrained in me, and it will forever reside in my heart.
Essentially, Versace has always been a brand that caters well to the glamorous world of Hollywood, ever since Gianni Versace established his fashion house in Milan back in 1978. From the get-go, Gianni’s designs featured vivid colors, striking patterns, and ornate details – a style that was seemingly ahead of its time for the movie industry. As he put it, “I like to tell stories with my clothes.” These tales could be sadomasochistic, sophisticated, violent, or refined, but at their core, they embodied the spirit of freedom. Gianni’s dream was for his designs to be worn by the wealthy and the less fortunate alike, by those without inhibitions, as he believed that such limitations can be detrimental to our lives.
1994 saw the Versace style gaining traction in Hollywood, primarily due to a single dress. This was the year Elizabeth Hurley, then an emerging model, walked the red carpet at the London premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” with her boyfriend Hugh Grant. She wore a striking black silk gown held together by large gold safety pins. Designers initially declined to lend Hurley a dress, but Versace agreed, sending over the now-iconic safety pin dress. Hurley slipped it on, and as they made their way in, Grant subtly raised his eyebrows, adding to the dress’s allure. This account was shared in the 2024 BBC documentary “Hugh Grant: A Life on Screen.
In 2024, Hurley shared during a podcast interview that we were dwelling in a minuscule apartment devoid of full-length mirrors or steamers. I had barely anything, she stated. The only comments about her appearance came from Grant’s brief exclamation: ‘Christ!’ She concluded by saying, ‘And off we went.'”
Or simply,
“Hurley shared in a 2024 podcast that our home was small without full-length mirrors or steamers and I had very little. The only feedback on my appearance came from Grant’s quick remark: ‘Christ!’ She ended by saying, ‘And off we went.’
The next day after I donned the iconic dress from Versace’s spring 1994 collection, it made headlines worldwide, sparking a flurry of interest towards both me and the designer. To be honest, while Versace had designed a bold red dress for Cindy Crawford to wear at the Oscars in 1991, that moment didn’t quite compare to the attention we garnered in 1994. This unexpected fame resulted in significant milestones: In 1995, I signed a contract with Estée Lauder, while Versace solidified its position as the go-to label for Hollywood’s elite. At that time, Princess Diana was also among Versace’s loyal clientele, sporting their designs as part of her “revenge dressing” approach following her separation from Prince Charles in 1992. Since the mid-1990s, Versace has been the choice of fashion icons such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, Madonna, Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa, and Blake Lively – just to name a few. Essentially, everyone wanted to wear Versace from that point forward.
In the peak of his stardom, Gianni Versace met an unfortunate end on the steps of his Miami Beach villa on July 15, 1997. His assassin, Andrew Cunanan, was discovered dead by suicide eight days later on a houseboat in Miami. This shocking event, which sent ripples through both the fashion and celebrity spheres, led Donatella Versace – who had collaborated with her brother throughout his career – to step up as creative director. Some were hesitant, questioning whether she held enough weight for such a position. However, no one knew Gianni Versace better than Donatella, and it was evident that she too intuitively understood how the essence of Versace lay in its ability to draw attention.
The confidence that emerged earlier was undeniably validated during a memorable instance at the 2000 Grammy Awards, three years later. Presenting the initial award for Best R&B Album, Jennifer Lopez and David Duchovny took the stage. However, the audience’s persistent applause forced Duchovny to momentarily step aside, allowing Lopez, resplendent in a green palm print dress with a deep plunging neckline from Donatella’s spring 2000 collection, to bask in the limelight. “Jennifer,” Duchovny remarked, “this is the first time in five or six years that I am certain no one is looking at me.” The impact of this moment was such that it surpassed the buzz surrounding a similar incident six years prior. In fact, the public’s eagerness to see Lopez in the dress was so intense, it sparked Google to develop its image search function – a detail corroborated by Google’s own blog.
In the next 25 years, it’s widely acknowledged that Donatella Versace has done an exceptional job preserving her brother’s legacy while propelling the brand forward. As stated by Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger, “Versace is what it is today thanks to Donatella Versace and the fervor she has consistently demonstrated in her role for close to 30 years.” Hollywood, in turn, has been thrilled and eager to embark on this journey alongside Donatella. Here’s a glimpse at some of the brand’s significant milestones with Hollywood’s most illustrious stars:
1. Fast forward 25 years, it can be seen that Donatella Versace has done an impressive job upholding her brother’s legacy while progressing the brand. In a statement released on Thursday, Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger acknowledged, “Versace is what it is today due to Donatella Versace and the zeal she has shown in her role for nearly 30 years.” Hollywood, excited and eager, has seized the opportunity to join Donatella on this journey. Below are some key moments for the brand among Hollywood’s brightest stars:
2. Over the course of 25 years, it’s been widely accepted that Donatella Versace has done a remarkable job honoring her brother’s legacy and pushing the brand forward. As stated by Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger in a recent statement, “Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the passion she has brought to her role every day for nearly 30 years.” Hollywood, thrilled and eager, has been more than happy to accompany Donatella on this adventure. The following presents some significant milestones for the brand with Hollywood’s most prominent stars:
3. In the span of 25 years, it’s clear that Donatella Versace has done an outstanding job preserving her brother’s legacy and advancing the brand. According to Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger in a recent statement, “Versace is what it is today thanks to Donatella Versace and the ardor she has consistently demonstrated in her role for nearly 30 years.” Hollywood, eager and excited, has jumped at the chance to journey with Donatella. The following offers a look at some of the brand’s major achievements alongside Hollywood’s hottest stars:
4. Over the past 25 years, it’s become evident that Donatella Versace has done an exceptional job maintaining her brother’s legacy and growing the brand. As stated by Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger in a recent statement, “Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the enthusiasm she has brought to her role for nearly 30 years.” Hollywood, eager and happy, has been more than willing to join Donatella on this adventure. The following provides a glimpse at some key moments for the brand among Hollywood’s most illustrious stars:
5. In the last 25 years, it’s apparent that Donatella Versace has done an outstanding job honoring her brother’s legacy and propelling the brand forward. According to Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger in a recent statement, “Versace is what it is today thanks to Donatella Versace and the fervor she has shown in her role for nearly 30 years.” Hollywood, excited and eager, has been more than happy to embark on this journey with Donatella. Below are some of the brand’s major accomplishments alongside Hollywood’s most prominent stars:
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2005: Beyoncé at the Academy Awards
Approximately two years prior to the premiere of “Dreamgirls”, Beyoncé caused quite a stir at the 2005 Oscars. She donned an elegant black velvet gown designed by Atelier Versace, featuring a curved, strapless neckline and Lorraine Schwartz earrings. To add to her impact, she made her official appearance with her then-boyfriend, Jay-Z. Furthermore, she delivered three outstanding performances during the broadcast, which is why many started referring to that event as “the Beyoncé Oscars”.
2008: Gisele Bundchen at the Met Gala
Back in 2008, I couldn’t help but feel a rush when I saw supermodel Gisele Bundchen and NFL legend Tom Brady gracing the red carpet at their first Met Gala together. The way she glided in her ethereal pale pink silk gown by Atelier Versace was nothing short of magical. That dress, designed to celebrate the Costume Institute exhibition theme, “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,” truly made her a real-life superhero in my eyes.
2012: Angelina Jolie at the Academy Awards
At the 2012 Academy Awards, Angelina Jolie’s black velvet Versace gown turned heads due to its sophisticated design. However, it was her pose that truly captivated the world. In an era just beginning to embrace social media, Jolie’s leg became a hot topic of conversation throughout the night. Later, Donatella, the designer herself, acknowledged that the pose enhanced the dress: “Occasionally, you can’t decide which dress is the best. But when someone wears it, it can transform into something extraordinary.
2016: Taylor Swift at the Grammys
As a devoted fan, I’ve witnessed Taylor Swift’s incredible journey from a country singer to a globally celebrated artist who fills stadiums in mere minutes. One unforgettable fashion moment that encapsulates this transformation was her dazzling two-piece Atelier Versace ensemble at the 2016 Grammy Awards. The vibrant colors and exposed midriff signaled a fresh chapter in Swift’s sartorial story, symbolizing a new era in her style.
2021: Zendaya at the BET Awards
Zendaya and renowned stylist Law Roach have together achieved numerous iconic fashion moments, and one of their best is undoubtedly the look at the 2021 BET Awards where the multi-talented artist wore a gown that mirrored a Versace design worn by Beyoncé in her “Crazy in Love” music video from 2003. Interestingly, this very same dress was already part of Roach’s extensive collection. The gown, also by Versace and bearing a striking resemblance stylistically, came from the brand’s spring 2003 line.
2025: Colman Domingo at the BAFTAs
Versace’s designs aren’t limited to female wear; in fact, they have been showcased by notable male figures such as Channing Tatum and Cillian Murphy in their campaigns. In 2014, Donatella herself expressed her delight saying, “I love being surrounded by handsome men.” Luke Evans and Matt Bomer are among the celebrities who have sat front row at Versace’s recent fashion shows. At the 2025 BAFTAs, Colman Domingo solidified his status as a fashion icon when he donned a black Versace suit, featuring the brand’s signature vibrant, ornate prints on both the shirt and coat lining.
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2025-03-15 02:25