Donatella Versace: Icon
The Powerful Year of Versace's Medusa
Strong, powerful, resilient, and independent, everything that Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace reflected when her dear brother Gianni died in 1997. Since the tragic death of fashion icon Gianni Versace, sister Donatella has taken the reins of the fashion house and now symbolizes the meaning behind women empowerment. The brainy bombshell began expanding Versace’s ventures and outreach—for example, launching a fragrance line, Versace Woman—and of course, keeping her brother’s legacy alive.
Ever since 1997, Donatella has become one of many influential women who became the driving force behind the societal transformation of women equality and dominance, which we see today. In honor of that shift in society, and the 20th anniversary of her brother’s death, Donatella stepped back into the public eye and made 2017-2018 her year.
Last year, during the 2017 Milan Fashion Week, Donatella dedicated her Spring 2018 collection to Gianni. The groundbreaking runway show took place at the Milan’s Triennale Museum. The performance revealed signature elements of the brand, archives, and clothing that were in the works when Gianni lost his life abruptly. Donatella brought back supermodel veterans like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell to represent his edgy, yet chic sense of style, vibrant mix of color, and old-world sexy patterns. Although the event was bittersweet, it put the fashion house back on the map.
Due to the remarkable tribute show and her influential work throughout the years, Donatella Versace became a recipient for the CFDA’s International Award and co-host, along with Rihanna and Amal Clooney, of the 2018 Met Gala. The striking blonde stepped out on the Met Gala’s crème carpet wearing a breathtaking gold and navy embroidered mini dress with a statement navy blue train.
But her glorious year does not end there. Donatella is now getting positive feedback for her 2019 Versace Resort collection, that features the mythological Medusa. Back in the day, Gianni created the incarnation of Medusa. The Greek mythology represents power, strength, and beauty, which clearly signifies the powerful empire that Gianni and his sister built together. Donatella incorporated the Medusa into her new collection, for women to embrace the strength within us. This line goes hand in hand with female empowerment and how men aren’t the only ones who can wear a power suit.
The fashion line has colorful new prints, ‘80s-inspired pencil skirts, and power dressing work attire. Donatella brought the iconic logo the “Medusa” alive by placing it on tight waistlines, big belts, pleated pants, and chunky zippers. The Versace Resort 2019 collection is versatile, bold, and sophisticated. Want to be the ultimate boss-lady? Now’s your chance to at least dress like one!
