At 69 years old, Donatella Versace is stepping away from her role as creative director of Versace, marking the end of an era in luxury fashion. With her departure, the fashion world reflects not only on her profound cultural influence but also on the wealth and legacy she leaves behind. As of 2024, Donatella Versace’s net worth is estimated at $400 million, built through decades of brand leadership, global design success, and close relationships with fashion’s most elite.
A Life Shaped by Fashion and Family
Born on May 2, 1955, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, Donatella was raised in a family where fashion was part of daily life. Her mother, Francesca, worked as a dressmaker, and her father, Antonio, was a traveling salesman. The youngest of four siblings, she experienced the tragic death of her sister Tina at age 12 due to a tetanus infection.
Donatella grew up surrounded by fabric, patterns, and the ambition of her brother Gianni Versace, who would go on to found one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world. While studying languages at university in Florence, Donatella often worked closely with Gianni, gradually taking on more responsibility within the business.
Taking the Helm After Tragedy
In 1997, tragedy struck when Gianni was assassinated outside his Miami Beach mansion. The devastating event rocked the fashion industry and left a leadership vacuum at the company. Donatella, already vice president, stepped into the role of creative director and took the reins of the brand her brother had built from the ground up.
At the time, skeptics questioned whether she could maintain Gianni’s legacy. She didn’t just maintain it—she evolved it. Over the next 28 years, Donatella helped transform Versace into a global powerhouse known for opulence, bold design, and celebrity appeal.
Her close relationships with figures like Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez (whose 2000 Grammy dress remains legendary) helped secure Versace’s place in pop culture. Under Donatella’s leadership, the label stayed relevant through shifting fashion eras, maintaining a distinctive voice in an increasingly saturated market.
Business Moves and Wealth
Donatella inherited 20% of the Versace empire following Gianni’s death. Her daughter, Allegra Versace, received 50%, while her brother Santo Versace was granted the remaining 30%. Though Allegra legally held a majority stake, Donatella remained the brand’s most prominent public face and creative driver.
In addition to her creative work, Donatella amassed considerable wealth from the brand’s ongoing success and licensing deals. In 2018, Michael Kors’ parent company, Capri Holdings, acquired Versace for $2.1 billion, a deal that restructured company ownership and earned the family a sizable payout while retaining their public ties to the brand.
Her personal fortune is currently valued at $400 million, and includes assets such as a 15,000-square-foot villa in Meina, Italy, overlooking Lake Maggiore. The home boasts four floors, 50 rooms, 20 bedrooms, and 12 bathrooms, and is valued at around 5 million euros.
Stepping Down and What Comes Next
In early 2025, Donatella announced that she would step down as creative director, ending her nearly three-decade-long leadership of the brand. Citing the need for new energy in the company, she wrote on Instagram, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to continue my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was a true genius, and I hope to inherit some of his spirit and tenacity.”
Her decision comes amid financial strain for the brand, with Versace reporting a 6.6% decline in revenue and forecasts predicting further challenges throughout the year. As part of the company’s strategic repositioning, Prada Group has finalized a deal to acquire Versace for a reported $1.6 billion. This move further signaled Donatella’s exit from day-to-day design operations.
Despite stepping down, Donatella won’t be entirely absent. She is expected to remain involved as the Brand’s Chief Ambassador, continuing to represent Versace at global fashion events and brand partnerships.
New Creative Leadership at Versace
Following her departure, Vitale, previously the design and image director at Miu Miu, has been appointed creative director of Versace. The appointment, effective April 1, 2025, represents a bold new chapter for the fashion house. With Miu Miu under the Prada umbrella, this transition is seen as part of a broader integration and modernization of Versace’s creative direction.
Personal Life and Public Presence
Donatella was previously married to Paul Beck, an American model, with whom she had two children: Allegra (b. 1986) and Daniel (b. 1989). The couple divorced in 2000. In 2004, she briefly married Manuel Dallori, but the marriage ended a year later.
Her daughter Allegra has remained largely out of the public eye but has occasionally made appearances at fashion events. Donatella herself has become a pop culture icon, known for her platinum blonde hair, distinct voice, and unapologetically bold personal style. She has been portrayed in film and television, including the 2018 FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace, where actress Penélope Cruz played her.
A Lasting Legacy in Fashion
Donatella Versace’s influence transcends runway trends. She has shaped decades of fashion, mentored younger designers, and expanded the brand’s reach into accessories, fragrance, and lifestyle. Her departure marks the close of a defining chapter in fashion history—but her style legacy is secure.
From rising in her brother’s shadow to becoming a global icon in her own right, Donatella’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic glamour. Even as she steps back from design, her legacy as one of the most powerful women in fashion remains firmly in place.