Donatella attended Florence University until the mid-seventies. Then, she joined her older brother Gianni in his fashion business. Gianni was about a decade older than Donatella but the two were very close. It seemed inevitable that they would want to share their love for fashion. Although she started working as a Public Relations person for Gianni, many people think her involvement in the company was deeper, even at the early stages. Donatella came up with the idea of using famous models to do their catwalk shows. This gave the Versace name more press coverage. Donatella Versace also had a knack for finding out what younger people she met at nightclubs wanted to see in the fashion world. Her brother ran everything by her before finalizing them. She was given her own line called Versus.

Tragedy struck the Versace family when Donatella’s beloved brother was murdered outside his mansion in 1997. Gianni had once told his sister that if anything happened to him that he wanted her to take over. Although, she took some time to mourn Gianni’s death, her first solo debut of the mainline collection, in the spring of 1998 was hailed a triumph. Then, a year after her brother’s death, in July 1998, she presented a couture show at the Paris Ritz. Gianni had always built the runway over the hotel swimming pool. She did the same, adding her own touch by having the runway made of sheer glass.

Donatella Versace is known for her colourful prints, stylish cuts and sensational sexuality. Who can forget that barely- there chiffon dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the Emmys in 2000! Recently, the house of Versace has become more in tune with the modern career woman. Though Donatella stays true to her brother’s fashion philosophy, her collections now offer more variety. Today, she holds the reins to the production of about twelve collections each year.

Donatella enjoys fame beyond the fashion world, having celebrity friends like Madonna and Courtney Love. Her glittering parties have guests that include Elton John, Kate Moss and Elizabeth Hurley. She also has her own fragrance, Versace Woman, launched in 2001. Finally, the enthusiastic reviews and fashion profits have afforded Donatella Versace a life that only the truly wealthy can comprehend. If you would like more information about Donatella Versace’s merchandise, visit the Versace website at: www.versace.com