Versace

-[Versace]-
(vehr-SAH-chay)

Fashionable-Passionate-Flawless

"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
-Gianni Versace


This work is a true deep dive into 40 years of creation. As a starting point, looking back, what was the greatest achievement of your career?
My greatest achievement is the fact that Versace is still relevant and loved. I am proud that, together with my team, we have made Versace part of today’s cultural conversation that speaks beyond fashion itself. I think that this means that our work has inspired people, supported communities…we have dared, broken the rules and yet remained at the top!

If you had to pick one Versace show by Gianni, which one would it be and why?
There are so many…Gianni was pure creativity! If I have to pick any, the first ones that come to mind are the Fall/Winter of 1992 “Miss S&M” of the Bondage, the Spring/Summer 1994 “Punk” of the Safety Pin dress that I reinterpreted in 2013 with the “Vunk: the Versace Punk” and his last Atelier collection. But I could go on and on…

Which one of your collections are you the most proud of?
How can I choose? I have so many memories linked to each of them. We just published the Versace Catwalk book to show to the entire world more than 40 years of fashion shows, countless looks, and each of them brought me to where I am today!

What was the most incredible moment of your career?
It has to be the time I got invite by Prince to his place in Minneapolis. I thought that he was throwing a party for the launch of his new album, or at least that’s what he told me. I got there, dressed in my best gown, to Paisley Park that was fully lit with purple lights only to find out I was alone. Prince gave me, Lenny Kravitz and Puff Daddy a private concert. I will never forget that night.

What are the 5 pieces of clothes every woman should own according to you?
I think that the choice of what to wear always says something about who we are, therefore, there are no fixed rules. Just be yourself and you’ll know what your own, unique key pieces are.

You must get asked this question a lot so hopefully it will be easy for you! How would you describe the essence of the Versace woman?
The Versace woman is powerful, confident, not afraid to show her inner self through her style choices. It is not just a matter of how she looks, it is down to her attitude and her mind. She has a voice. For me, it stands for fearlessness, power, being strong and unafraid. Confidence is key!

Has this image changed over the decades?
Of course it has, as the society has evolved. The Versace woman has always had a stronger femininity that transpires not only from her clothes but also from her words and behavior. She’s inclusive, but also ironic, able to not take herself too seriously, authentic…

What advice have you taken from Gianni that is still with you today?
Never give up!

Looking back, how have you succeeded in keeping Versace so relevant to our era, even to Gen Z, almost 24 after taking the reins? What is your secret?
I am curious by nature, and I find it extremely inspiring to learn new things, to connect with younger people and understand how they see things from their point of view. I welcome the change and I have always seen fashion as a mirror of society. As society evolves, people’s desires change and, if you want to keep having a dialogue with the world, you need to understand how these changes affect my job. Costumers of today are very savvy. They know exactly what they want. They are less afraid to dare or to stick to what used to be considered “conventional” and they like to break the rules; not so much to shock, but to express themselves. The fact that their perspective is “shocking” should make us all think because it means that they're already a few steps ahead and we need to catch up!

Who are the women who have inspired you the most in your career?
I have many and they are completely different from one another! Strong empowering women like Lady Gaga and Madonna, with their unapologetic attitudes, their willingness to break the rules but also their humanity, their huge hearts and generosity.

Which woman, living or dead, do you dream of having dinner with?
Michelle Obama – she’s so charming!

and which man?
Maluma! Funny and handsome.

What is something that people do not know about you?
That I’m very shy.

If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you have done in your career?
I can’t even imagine it. I would never have done anything else but this.

What is your advice for keeping up with the busy schedule of the collections?
I cannot live without my daily 30 minutes of Pilates in the morning! I really think the first few minutes of your day directly dictate how confident, productive, and happy you'll be for the rest of the day.

After a show, how do you recharge?
A massage and a good facial!

Where in the world do you go when you need to disconnect?
Can’t tell you!

What does Donatella Versace do in her spare time?
I am too hyper! I am that kind of person who always needs to have something to do, otherwise I get bored. When I am not working – that happens very rarely - I do research, I talk to my friends all over the world to make sure everyone is ok, I exercise, I read, I listen to music and watch TV…

Finally, looking at the bigger picture, what would Donatella Versace like to leave behind as a designer?
I will tell you when I am about to retire: it might be something I have yet to do!

Vogue France Interview, 2021