Fashion is a game of thrones, and Donatella Versace? She’s been holding the crown with a platinum grip since ‘97. The Medusa queen, dripped in gold and leather, took the reins after Gianni’s tragic passing and turned Versace into an even louder, shinier, more in-your-face juggernaut. But now, she’s stepping back, making room for the next chapter. Ain’t no tears—only respect.
Because here’s the thing: Donatella made sure Versace wasn’t just for the elite—it was for the icons. The ones who walked in a room and made time stop. And let’s be real, some of the most legendary moments in Versace history belong to Black celebrities who wore it like armor, art and attitude all in one. Let’s run it back—seven times Black stars ate in Versace and left no crumbs.
Naomi Campbell—The Blueprint
Before influencers were “setting trends,” Naomi was the trend. She was Gianni’s muse, Donatella’s forever favorite, and the woman who could turn a gold-plated mini dress into a cultural moment. She stomped Versace runways in the ‘90s like she owned them—because, honestly, she did.
Beyoncé at the On The Run Tour in 2014
Beyoncé in Versace? Automatic slay. But that Versace printed one piece? Untouchable. She gave a little Sasha Fierce —drama, decadence and a reminder that Versace has always been about power dressing for the gods.
Chadwick Boseman’s 2018 Met Gala Look
Heavenly Bodies? More like divine intervention. The late, great Chadwick Boseman floated into the 2018 Met Gala in a custom white and gold Versace cape suit that made him look like a warrior priest from another realm. A true king, decked out in a house that knows how to dress royalty.
Zendaya’s Fire Red Carpet Gown at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards
If you ever needed proof that Versace understands drama, look no further than Zendaya’s cherry-red corseted gown. Old Hollywood, new-school flex—she gave us the best of both. And Donatella? She’s always had an eye for the future.
Lil Nas X in Gold Armor at the 2021 Met Gala
Versace isn’t just fashion—it’s a full cinematic moment. And Lil Nas X took that memo and ran with it at the 2021 Met Gala, serving up three dramatic looks, ending in a gold-plated suit of armor. Donatella understood the assignment, and so did he.
So, yeah—Donatella might be stepping down, but the impact? Permanent. She gave us maximalism, she gave us rockstar energy, she gave us Black icons looking like gods. And that legacy? That’s forever.
