The death of Gianni Versace sent shockwaves through the fashion world and beyond. His murder in 1997 left a gaping void, not only in the industry but within the heart of his family, particularly his sister, Donatella. While the world mourned a visionary designer, Donatella, seemingly overnight, stepped into the impossible shoes of her brother, inheriting not just a fashion empire but also the weight of a legacy and the profound grief of a devastating loss. This imagined interview with Donatella, decades after the tragedy, explores her journey, her relationship with Gianni, and the enduring impact of his absence on her life and the Versace brand.
Vanessa Friedman (VF): Donatella, thank you for agreeing to this conversation. It’s been… a journey, hasn't it? Looking back, how did you find the strength to take the reins of Versace after Gianni’s death?
Donatella Versace (DV): (Pauses, looking out the window at the Milan skyline) Strength? Vanessa, I didn't *find* strength. It was… a survival instinct. A fierce loyalty to Gianni, to his vision, to his family. He was my brother, my mentor, my best friend. Losing him… it was like losing a part of myself. There was no choice, really. The house, the brand, it was his life's work, and a part of mine. I had to keep it alive, for him, for Allegra, for all of us.
VF: Your Milan office has been described as a powerful reflection of your personal journey. Can you tell us about that?
DV: (Gestures around her office) This space… it’s a shrine, in a way. It's filled with memories, with pieces of Gianni. Some are obvious— sketches, photographs, personal mementos. Others are more subtle, in the textures, the colours, the light. This office was designed by Gianni, you know. He had a specific vision for it, and I’ve kept it largely as he left it. It’s a constant reminder of him, a constant reminder of what I lost, but also of what I have to protect. The pain is still here, always present. But it's intertwined with the joy, the pride, the love we shared. It’s complicated.
VF: Your relationship with Gianni was clearly incredibly close. Can you describe it for us?
DV: We were inseparable. He was my older brother, but also my confidante, my creative partner, my rock. We had a bond that was… unique. We argued, of course, we were siblings! But we understood each other implicitly. We shared a vision, a passion for beauty, for extravagance, for pushing boundaries. He pushed me, challenged me, and I did the same for him. He nurtured my talent, gave me the confidence to believe in myself. He was my biggest supporter.
VF: After Gianni’s death, the Versace estate was inherited by…
DV: The inheritance was complex, naturally. A significant portion went to Allegra, Gianni’s niece, my daughter. She was very young at the time, so it was managed through a trust. The family worked together to ensure the legacy was protected. It wasn't just about the money; it was about preserving Gianni’s vision, his legacy.
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