Donatella Versace
Height:
165 cm
Donatella Versace was born on May 2, 1955 in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. She is a costume designer, known for Mademoiselle C (2013), Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006).
You can't pretend that everybody likes Versace. It would be boring. It's better to create a reaction than to create no reaction. That's dang...Show more »
You can't pretend that everybody likes Versace. It would be boring. It's better to create a reaction than to create no reaction. That's dangerous. Show less «
I love anyone who breaks the rules, and musicians always break the rules - in an aggressive way.
I love anyone who breaks the rules, and musicians always break the rules - in an aggressive way.
In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life.
In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life.
Die and born again, die and born again. It's the story of my life.
Die and born again, die and born again. It's the story of my life.
During the eighties and nineties, people wanted to be chic, elegant, bourgeois.
During the eighties and nineties, people wanted to be chic, elegant, bourgeois.
Elegance is always in style for men. There are all different kinds of elegance. It can be silk, it can be a T-shirt.
Elegance is always in style for men. There are all different kinds of elegance. It can be silk, it can be a T-shirt.
Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.
Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.
The suit does not represent the businessman anymore. Nor does the loud shirt represent the rock star. The same man can now wear both.
The suit does not represent the businessman anymore. Nor does the loud shirt represent the rock star. The same man can now wear both.
It's no good being too easily swayed by people's opinions. You have to believe in yourself.
It's no good being too easily swayed by people's opinions. You have to believe in yourself.
I think glamour all the time. I wake up in the morning and I'm already thinking glamour.
I think glamour all the time. I wake up in the morning and I'm already thinking glamour.
I always wear high heels - I simply feel naked without them.
I always wear high heels - I simply feel naked without them.
Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine.
Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine.
In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life. For a while I lost mine.
In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life. For a while I lost mine.
In my life I had no other choice than to become a strong person.
In my life I had no other choice than to become a strong person.
It would be very easy for us to do a collection that everybody would like and not criticize. But criticism is a part of life. You have to ta...Show more »
It would be very easy for us to do a collection that everybody would like and not criticize. But criticism is a part of life. You have to take it. Show less «
My style is not that big. I wear heels, tight pants, and I wear diamonds.
My style is not that big. I wear heels, tight pants, and I wear diamonds.
I find older men more attractive than boys. I need a man who can teach me a thing or two.
I find older men more attractive than boys. I need a man who can teach me a thing or two.
I have an image of what a British gentleman looks like, and that image finds real expression in Prince Charles. He is beyond fashion - he is...Show more »
I have an image of what a British gentleman looks like, and that image finds real expression in Prince Charles. He is beyond fashion - he is an archetype of style. Show less «
Lady Gaga is the present and the future. She is the most revolutionary and inspirational artist. She is fearless and daring.
Lady Gaga is the present and the future. She is the most revolutionary and inspirational artist. She is fearless and daring.
I think men know to seduce women though words and conversation and nice gestures. That's much sexier than when a man uses muscle.
I think men know to seduce women though words and conversation and nice gestures. That's much sexier than when a man uses muscle.
Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.
Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.
Some say the economy means that you have to persuade people to invest in clothes - to buy less things but more expensive things. I disagree ...Show more »
Some say the economy means that you have to persuade people to invest in clothes - to buy less things but more expensive things. I disagree - invest in jewelry, or a house, maybe, but not in fashion. Show less «
The three biggest fashion mistakes are cheap suits, shoes, and shirts. Spend your money on something good.
The three biggest fashion mistakes are cheap suits, shoes, and shirts. Spend your money on something good.
Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it.
Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it.
I like perfume and flowers.
I like perfume and flowers.
Something has to change in the world. Without change, young people will have no future.
Something has to change in the world. Without change, young people will have no future.
In fashion, only sexy won't go out of fashion.
In fashion, only sexy won't go out of fashion.
It's very important for a brand to have an identity through the years, but it's very important as well to evolve because times change so fas...Show more »
It's very important for a brand to have an identity through the years, but it's very important as well to evolve because times change so fast. Show less «
I understand that the rule of fashion is to change, even as a successful designer - you do not want to be stuck in the same rut.
I understand that the rule of fashion is to change, even as a successful designer - you do not want to be stuck in the same rut.
On a hanger, no dress is sexy. It's just fabric on a hanger.
On a hanger, no dress is sexy. It's just fabric on a hanger.
I love the mix of people who hang out at nightclubs now. Their individuality is an inspiration to me. The music they listen to, the clothes ...Show more »
I love the mix of people who hang out at nightclubs now. Their individuality is an inspiration to me. The music they listen to, the clothes they wear and the way they wear them defines a street style that I love. Show less «
You can have small moments of happiness in life. You certainly can't expect years and years of it.
You can have small moments of happiness in life. You certainly can't expect years and years of it.
Fashion needs fresh blood, and London is the most creative place for that.
Fashion needs fresh blood, and London is the most creative place for that.
I love Alexander McQueen. I like the construction of his suits. I think it's fantastic.
I love Alexander McQueen. I like the construction of his suits. I think it's fantastic.
Let's just say beauty inspires me. But I like all beauty - I think it really comes from the inside out.
Let's just say beauty inspires me. But I like all beauty - I think it really comes from the inside out.
Scent is very important. Strong fragrances suit some men, while citrus types suit others. I like my men to smell fresh and woody, but also l...Show more »
Scent is very important. Strong fragrances suit some men, while citrus types suit others. I like my men to smell fresh and woody, but also like a man. Show less «
The first thing I do each morning is get out of bed and give my dog, Audrey, a hug. She's a Jack Russell. I think having an animal is a wond...Show more »
The first thing I do each morning is get out of bed and give my dog, Audrey, a hug. She's a Jack Russell. I think having an animal is a wonderful thing, particularly dogs. They are great levelers, there's no nonsense with them, and they just want simple affection. Show less «
I have worked with wool all my life as a designer. There's so much more to it than knitwear - it's an amazingly versatile material and can b...Show more »
I have worked with wool all my life as a designer. There's so much more to it than knitwear - it's an amazingly versatile material and can be used in so many different ways from chic to rustic. Show less «
I don't see anybody categorized as a 'fashion diva,' except for me! And I like that. I am thought of as a diva because I wear an evening dre...Show more »
I don't see anybody categorized as a 'fashion diva,' except for me! And I like that. I am thought of as a diva because I wear an evening dress and I take care of my look when I go out. I go to parties regarding business, not for fun. And that's why they call me a 'diva.' Show less «
In mythology, the Medusa can petrify people with a look - which is a good thing, I think. But the Medusa is a unique symbol - something stro...Show more »
In mythology, the Medusa can petrify people with a look - which is a good thing, I think. But the Medusa is a unique symbol - something strong. It's about going all the way. Show less «
Many young people don't know what Versace represent. I want to show what makes Versace an iconic brand.
Many young people don't know what Versace represent. I want to show what makes Versace an iconic brand.
Powerful women intimidate men. If she's a really well-known woman, she has a career, she's famous - in that case, men are really afraid.
Powerful women intimidate men. If she's a really well-known woman, she has a career, she's famous - in that case, men are really afraid.
The man of the millennium is much more liberated than the man of the '90s.
The man of the millennium is much more liberated than the man of the '90s.
As with most things in my life, I believe you should try to enjoy yourself and never feel like you are a slave to a routine.
As with most things in my life, I believe you should try to enjoy yourself and never feel like you are a slave to a routine.
I like to eat. Definitely. I love sitting around a table with my friends. But I don't know how to cook anything.
I like to eat. Definitely. I love sitting around a table with my friends. But I don't know how to cook anything.
When I meet celebrities, I have to know what they are like and only then can I design. The clothes have to fit their personality.
When I meet celebrities, I have to know what they are like and only then can I design. The clothes have to fit their personality.
I don't even know what my natural colour is. Natural? What is natural? What is that? I do not believe in totally natural for women. For me, ...Show more »
I don't even know what my natural colour is. Natural? What is natural? What is that? I do not believe in totally natural for women. For me, natural has something to do with vegetables. Show less «
A business woman needs a successful mix of design and practicality.
A business woman needs a successful mix of design and practicality.
You can never forget the time you're living in because the past is the past and it will never come back. So to adjust your philosophy and cr...Show more »
You can never forget the time you're living in because the past is the past and it will never come back. So to adjust your philosophy and creativity in fashion to the time you're living in is the most important thing. Show less «
Some men look great unshaven; others just look like they forgot to shave. Beards and mustaches can be really distinctive if you go for an ea...Show more »
Some men look great unshaven; others just look like they forgot to shave. Beards and mustaches can be really distinctive if you go for an earthy, rock-and-roll look like the Kings of Leon or the Killers. Show less «
If I could dress anyone, I'd like to dress the Queen - she can handle anything. I'd put her in black - she never wears black - and add a lit...Show more »
If I could dress anyone, I'd like to dress the Queen - she can handle anything. I'd put her in black - she never wears black - and add a little leather, maybe. A little rock n' roll. Show less «
Plus-sized women shouldn't think of themselves as a size. They should think of themselves as women with rich goals in life. Size doesn't mea...Show more »
Plus-sized women shouldn't think of themselves as a size. They should think of themselves as women with rich goals in life. Size doesn't mean, really, anything. You can carry your size with pride and dress in a way that you like. Show less «
I'm like a little kid when it comes to music. I mean, the music is always blasting wherever I am that people always knock on my door and say...Show more »
I'm like a little kid when it comes to music. I mean, the music is always blasting wherever I am that people always knock on my door and say, 'It's too loud!' But I think music gives so much inspiration. Show less «
Showing your femininity should help your career and not go against your career. Dressing like a man, using the suit to look powerful - that ...Show more »
Showing your femininity should help your career and not go against your career. Dressing like a man, using the suit to look powerful - that was the '80s, and that didn't help women. Show less «
I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the first pattern, and then ...Show more »
I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the first pattern, and then she had people working for her. So I grew up in an atelier, watching people all around me sewing. I was fascinated. Show less «
The body should be reconfigured by the clothes, never again the other way round.
The body should be reconfigured by the clothes, never again the other way round.
I've learned how to appreciate what I have. And it's a lot. I'm very lucky.
I've learned how to appreciate what I have. And it's a lot. I'm very lucky.
I wake up at about the same time every day. I sleep well and wake without an alarm clock.
I wake up at about the same time every day. I sleep well and wake without an alarm clock.
Richard Avedon is a true genius of photography and one of the greatest artists of our time.
Richard Avedon is a true genius of photography and one of the greatest artists of our time.
To be Catholic puts a lot of fear in you. It's a great religion, but also one that can limit your experience. You fear experience because ev...Show more »
To be Catholic puts a lot of fear in you. It's a great religion, but also one that can limit your experience. You fear experience because everything is a sin. Show less «
I'm a designer, and I work very hard at that. People sometimes want to put down fashion by saying it's frivolous or superficial, but it's no...Show more »
I'm a designer, and I work very hard at that. People sometimes want to put down fashion by saying it's frivolous or superficial, but it's not that way at all. It's actually very hard work. Show less «
I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is. He has always been inspiring because he is never afraid to...Show more »
I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is. He has always been inspiring because he is never afraid to break rules or barriers or invent something new - and if you love fashion, then you need to be able to do that. Show less «
When I work, I wear pants usually because I want to be comfortable. I wear dark colors, especially in winter, because I don't want to concen...Show more »
When I work, I wear pants usually because I want to be comfortable. I wear dark colors, especially in winter, because I don't want to concentrate on myself but on what I'm working on. Because I really, really love clothes, I can start to think too much about myself. It's distracting. Show less «
When my mother did fittings for her clients, I was hiding, looking at these beautiful ladies try on these fantastic clothes. I was dreaming ...Show more »
When my mother did fittings for her clients, I was hiding, looking at these beautiful ladies try on these fantastic clothes. I was dreaming as a small child to try these clothes on myself. Show less «
New York is full of creative people, not only in fashion.
New York is full of creative people, not only in fashion.
I don't like my physique at all.
I don't like my physique at all.
I don't like balance. Balance is not a word you can use in Versace fashion.
I don't like balance. Balance is not a word you can use in Versace fashion.
For me the safety pin is about rebellion, and I'm punk in the soul.
For me the safety pin is about rebellion, and I'm punk in the soul.
My muse changes all the time because I think every designer is a bit of a muse for themselves in a way - they just don't want to say it.
My muse changes all the time because I think every designer is a bit of a muse for themselves in a way - they just don't want to say it.
Gianni created the whole thing. I came later and helped him.
Gianni created the whole thing. I came later and helped him.
To define the era we live in is very difficult. How do we define it? We define it by music.
To define the era we live in is very difficult. How do we define it? We define it by music.
Hollywood is a very inspiring place.
Hollywood is a very inspiring place.
I have long been a fan and enthusiast where art is concerned.
I have long been a fan and enthusiast where art is concerned.
I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is.
I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is.
I do think that exercise is important, not only to keep you in shape but also for your state of mind. However, I am not fanatical about it.
I do think that exercise is important, not only to keep you in shape but also for your state of mind. However, I am not fanatical about it.
Sometimes big designers are afraid that people won't recognize them if they change that much.
Sometimes big designers are afraid that people won't recognize them if they change that much.
Women should be sure of themselves because women have a lot of capacities. We can achieve so many different things that men cannot. I think ...Show more »
Women should be sure of themselves because women have a lot of capacities. We can achieve so many different things that men cannot. I think women are stronger. Show less «
I was a fashion addict by the time I was 11 years old. I'd wear a miniskirt and patent-leather boots.
I was a fashion addict by the time I was 11 years old. I'd wear a miniskirt and patent-leather boots.
People are always surprised when they spend time with my children by how normal they are. They're polite. They're well mannered. They're ver...Show more »
People are always surprised when they spend time with my children by how normal they are. They're polite. They're well mannered. They're very down to earth, in a way. Show less «
You couldn't define the '80s when the '80s were happening. We kept changing. We had shoulder pads, then we didn't. It was revealing, and the...Show more »
You couldn't define the '80s when the '80s were happening. We kept changing. We had shoulder pads, then we didn't. It was revealing, and then it was decoration. It was a lot of things at once. It was defined when it was over. Show less «
Women are all the same; we want to be smaller in the waist, longer legs, slimmer. I design for women and their defects, to make them better.
Women are all the same; we want to be smaller in the waist, longer legs, slimmer. I design for women and their defects, to make them better.
At that time of the supermodels, celebrities didn't want to be in fashion; they thought they were more intellectual and interesting than any...Show more »
At that time of the supermodels, celebrities didn't want to be in fashion; they thought they were more intellectual and interesting than anyone in fashion. Show less «
In fashion, women have more sensitivity, more sense of the body, so they know how things fit and feel. Yet there are not many women who stud...Show more »
In fashion, women have more sensitivity, more sense of the body, so they know how things fit and feel. Yet there are not many women who study fashion. It's ridiculous. Show less «
I'm a feminist. I want to fight, but I don't see many people with this desire to fight for something. Women don't help each other, especiall...Show more »
I'm a feminist. I want to fight, but I don't see many people with this desire to fight for something. Women don't help each other, especially in fashion. Show less «
My mother didn't want me to be in fashion. She was in the fashion business, so was my brother, and she thought it was too crazy for me. She ...Show more »
My mother didn't want me to be in fashion. She was in the fashion business, so was my brother, and she thought it was too crazy for me. She wanted me to be married with children, to be independent, yes, but not to have a crazy life. Show less «
In Italian there is an expression: We don't sleep on the fame.
In Italian there is an expression: We don't sleep on the fame.
For so long Versace couture was identified with celebrities and music, which I love. But at the same time it could overwhelm the clothes.
For so long Versace couture was identified with celebrities and music, which I love. But at the same time it could overwhelm the clothes.
For me, music gives a voice to fashion.
For me, music gives a voice to fashion.
Fashion is not frivolous.
Fashion is not frivolous.
How do I keep young? Haven't you heard? I sleep every night in the deep freezer!
How do I keep young? Haven't you heard? I sleep every night in the deep freezer!
I know who the Versace woman is, because I wear the clothes myself.
I know who the Versace woman is, because I wear the clothes myself.
I studied at a university in Florence and finished my degree. My mother was very strict about this recipe: You need to get your degree.
I studied at a university in Florence and finished my degree. My mother was very strict about this recipe: You need to get your degree.
I think my own look makes people think I'm tough, but when they get to know me I'm very different.
I think my own look makes people think I'm tough, but when they get to know me I'm very different.
We all retire one day. If we want to, if we don't want to.
We all retire one day. If we want to, if we don't want to.
I think there was a time when I was too strict and controlling. I think I asphyxiated my children.
I think there was a time when I was too strict and controlling. I think I asphyxiated my children.
Donatella Versace's Photos
