The Evolution of Donatella Versace’s Powerful and Bold Personal Style
Donatella Versace has a history of provocative style. She is unapologetically a maximalist, often favoring plunging necklines and bold patterns both in her personal wardrobe and within the pieces she sends runway. Versace (the woman) famously took over the mantle of Versace (the label) in 1997 after her brother Gianni’s sudden passing. She led the brand creatively until 2025 and created some of the most memorable fashion and pop culture moments of all time: from Jennifer Lopez’s silk 2000 Grammys dress to Blake Lively and Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala gowns in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Given her knack for designing a headline-grabbing moment, it’s no surprise that Versace’s red carpet style is equally as statement-making. The designer almost always steps out in some bold color or pattern, usually previewing her label’s dresses long before they grace the Milan runways. And like the many stars she’s dressed over the years, Versace loves a skin-tight, curve-hugging gown complete with a skin-baring detail. Here, take a look back at Donatella Versace’s most iconic looks from 1995 until now.
2025
Versace championed her own design—a gold foil and silver embroidered gown—at the 2025 Oscars after parties.
2024
The designer dressed many guests at George and Amal Clooney’s The Albies in 2024. She wore a bright yellow dress with a corset bodice.
2021
If a Versace muse is ever looking for a wedding dress, this bridal white number complete with Medusa detailing from the 2021 Met Gala should work nicely.
2018
Even something as simple as a strapless black dress is amped up with tons of sparkle.
2016
Versace glistened alongside her long-time muse Gigi Hadid at the Fashion Awards 2016.
2016
Statement shoes, like this towering black pair, are just as much of a Versace staple as are statement gowns.
2015
Both Versace and Jennifer Lopez opted for sheer, curve-hugging looks at the 2015 Met Gala.
2014
Versace added some flash to her 2014 Met Gala look by detailing the bodice of her dress with gold metal.
2013
In 2013, the designer saluted her front row while wearing a flashy black look.
2012
Lady Gaga is an adoring fan of Versace’s work.
2011
Versace modeled her collaboration with H&M in 2011.
2010
Versace’s nude dress for a 2010 gala was asking to be danced in.
2009
With her long, platinum hair, Versace attended the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala in bombshell style.
2006
Only someone like Tom Ford could pull a rare pants moment out of Versace. She wore satin trousers and a leather coat to Ford’s after-party in 2006.
2003
Versace is fashion royalty and she looked every bit of it in 2003 when she wore this lilac dress with an exposed midsection.
2003
Versace left little to the imagination when she paired low-waisted and bejeweled trousers with a fully sheer top.
2002
Versace was hard to miss in this star-printed number at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in 2002.
2001
Versace has never shied away from bold, loud color on the red carpet.
2000
Classic Versace at the 2000 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards: cut-outs, florals, and platinum blonde hair.
1999
Before Jennifer Lopez made this plunging green gown famous at the 2000 Grammys, Donatella wore it to the 1999 Met Gala with Matt Dillon.
1995
With her brother Gianni at the 1995 Met Gala.
1993
Versace picked a sheer black dress to attend a 1993 dinner with Paul Beck.
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