Donatella Versace

Gigi Hadid
For Donatella Versace, her latest winter 2023 collection is all about creating clothes that protect women’s bodies, like armours do. And on this note, Versace’s spectacular show in LA’s Pacific Design Center kicked off with an array of all-black looks, where hips and shoulders were enanced, with cinched waists.
However, more than just an armour, the sobriety of the looks (and also austerity, if you want to add), symbolize a new chapter for the House, and a new search for a more sleek identity that is also transforming other verticals of the Versace business, specially the home division. On the runway, you saw no gold hardware, almost no Medusa heads, no screaming logos, and no over-the-top baroque prints, which have been part of the DNA of the brand since it’s creation in 1978. It seems very unfitting to call Versace a minimalist brand, but as any label, the house seems to be in a moment of evolution – and maybe even revolution – still being sexy without being shouty.
Irina Shayk
This doesn’t mean the show was boring, or shy. Smartly organized just a few days before the Oscars, the event amassed an exciting crowd of supermodels and A-list stars, inside and outside the runway. Cher, Elton John, Dua Lipa, the Hilton sisters, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and Anne Hathaway were some of the many celebrity sightings that made the show trend on social media, proving once again that Versace equals star power and hype. Fashion wise, as the show progressed, black gave way to denim, and denim gave way to an array of party looks in a rainbow of colors. Cocktail dresss were shown as mini as they get, sometimes full of movement and beautifully draped, or more structured, with pointy busts.
Draped silhouette dress
The palette was brushed with striking greens, pink, orange, and a polk dot motif (with irregular dots that seemed hand painted on the dresses). For the romantics, fabrics also featured black roses, maybe hinting that Donatella Versace is fine to buy herself flowers, which seemed perfectly suitable as Miley Cyrus was also sitting in the front row.
Pop pink florals
Among the many standouts of the show was the statement eye makeup created by beauty queen Pat McGrath. XL black eyeliner, pointy and feline, was generously applied to the eyes of models, making sure the Versace woman is ready to seduce from head to toe. And that will always remain, even if for Versace less is finally more.
Below, take a closer look at some of the key looks from the show.
Imaan Hammam
Hints of denim
Naomi Campbell
Not-so-basic polka dots
Kendall Jenner
Gigi Hadid

Singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist, Rita Ora is a 21st century self-made superstar. In conversation with Donatella Versace, the two icons divulge on their coming of age, breakthrough moments, and living their passions with purpose.
Cardigan, shirt, skirt, jewelry, Versace. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
It’s only a few days into the new year and outside, in Sydney, Australia, the sunlight is burning – another hot summer’s day. Rita Ora has been Down Under for some months as a judge on The Voice. As the lights are adjusted for her cover shoot, she reflects on her own early days as a singer. Born Rita Sahatçiu 31 years ago in Pristina, Yugoslavia – now Kosovo – to Albanian parents, she started out life as a refugee, the persecution of Albanians having forced her parents to flee to London when she was a baby. Attending a performing arts school, Ora began testing her talent at local gigs, “singing everywhere,” she recalls, even her father’s pub. “Breaking into the industry was difficult,” admits the singer-songwriter. “It took a lot of discipline and faith in myself to feel confident that this was the right path for me.”
Jacket, Prada; dress, tights, Yousef Akbar; shoes, Christian Louboutin; headscarf, stylist’s own; necklace, sunglasses, Cara Mia Vintage. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
While she heard her fair share of “No,” she persevered. Her debut album, Ora, debuted at number one on the UK charts, certifying platinum. Her latest co-written four-track EP, Bang (2021) features modern pop, 80s and 90s club culture, and house music, and is co-produced with Grammy-winning Kazakh DJ and record producer Imanbek. The EP comes after her 2018 album Phoenix, which has amassed more than 4 billion streams worldwide. That record holds three platinum singles, including “Lonely Together,” her collaboration with the late Swedish DJ Avicii. Ora dabbles in acting too, landing roles and serving notable performances in the Fifty Shades of Grey and Fast & Furious franchises; Southpaw alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams; Pokémon Detective Pikachu; and last year’s crime drama Twist alongside Michael Caine. “The best advice I can give young girls is to always believe in yourself and the vision you have for your art, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams,” underscores Ora.
Rita Ora with Donatella Versace. Photo: Getty
On the other side of the world, in Milan, fashion’s own platinum icon, Donatella Versace, is overseeing the finishing of the latest bespoke Atelier Versace pieces. Designing is a role Versace, the daughter of a salesman father and dressmaker mother, dutifully stepped into since the shocking death of her brother Gianni in 1997 on the steps of the Versace mansion in Miami. In the years that followed, she would master it. Proving to be an audacious couturiere in her own right, Versace’s efforts did not go unnoticed. She designed the infamous jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez to the Grammy Awards in 2000 and was named fashion icon of the year by the British Fashion Council in 2017. The following year, she took home the CFDA Fashion Awards International Award. Her sensual and rich signature has gone beyond fashion, seeping into luxury hospitality with the opening of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast in Australia in 2000 and the Palazzo Versace Dubai in 2016. Today, the house of Versace is as much a favorite of stars – a regal Angelina Jolie in a liquid silver gown; Zendaya in purple and citrus chiffon; Dua Lipa seemingly molded into a baby pink crystal-encrusted bustier; and Winnie Harlow fierce in a leather blazer, to name a few – as it was during the years of Gianni, when a young Donatella served as her brother’s muse and fiercest critic. Ora counts herself among Versace’s devotees, admitting that she loves to express herself through fashion, and having turned to Versace numerous times. She made headlines in a slick leather pencil skirt suit, pop-print body-hugging looks, and an orange mini dress held together by a coiling rope recalling the threads of Medusa, the very symbol of the house of Versace.
Photo: Getty
In a candid conversation, the two icons reveal a mutual soft power and their desire to devote parts of their respective platforms to the service of the less fortunate, remembering very well that they, too, have witnessed dark days and survived.
RITA ORA What do you remember from the first time we met?
DONATELLA VERSACE Your energy, the way you laughed, and your sense of humor. I have always been drawn to people with a sense of humor and who are aware that we are blessed for being able to do the jobs that we do, to share with the world our creativity, and do so with a smile on our faces.
RO Well, fashion and music go hand in hand. You’ve always designed for powerful women. What do these women want and value from their clothes today?
DV I think women have finally realized that clothes can be used as a weapon to our advantage. Ultimately, we all want to be heard and be taken seriously for what we bring to the table – and it is a lot. Fashion can help us do that and many other things. When we dress, whether we do it consciously or not, we send a message to the world and, as a supporter of other women, I want to give them the tools so that even through their style choices, they are able to convey respect, credibility, and strength. Nowadays women have become more aware of their place in the world, they are fighting for their spot, and they have learned to support each other to achieve what they want and deserve. This is not about empowerment. No one gives them anything. And when these women wear my clothes, I want them to feel strong, in charge, and self-confident. These are women who catalyze the attention and fill the room with their charisma. Who inspires you the most nowadays?
Dress, boots, Dolce & Gabbana; coat, Max Mara; gloves, Paula Rowan; belt, Pierre Winter Fine Jewels; earrings, bracelets, Dinosaur Designs. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
RO I’ve been taking a lot of inspiration from Cher, Madonna, and Tina Turner. All three of them are the absolute queens of reinvention. Their evolution as artists consistently inspires me to take risks with music, fashion, and performing.
DV Meanwhile, you are a Unicef Ambassador.
RO Working with refugees has always been a passion of mine. Given my own experience as a refugee, I’m very dedicated to working with those who have experienced similar struggles. Unicef is such a wonderful organization and being able to work with them on issues close to my heart has been an extremely rewarding experience. You have been vocal about your support to refugees. Why is the Syrian refugee cause so important to you?
DV I’ve always worked to help less fortunate people and now I’m actively trying to relieve the suffering of refugees. The Syrian refugee cause is very close to my heart, especially because we see every day the amazing work at the UN’s disembarkation point in Sicily, close to my homeland Calabria, being done to help refugees’ safety in Italy. It is intolerable that in 2022 people cannot feel safe in their homeland. This is why we all need to act and do something. The time for talking is over, we must act and sometimes individuals act faster than governments. As a society we must stick together and protect those who need to be protected.
Knit, shirt, top, skirt, Miu Miu; earrings, Dinosaur Designs; necklace, Pierre Winter Fine Jewels; belt, stylist’s own. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
RO What would you say to someone who doesn’t support refugees and who doesn’t consider forced human displacement their problem to solve?
DV I am not sure I would enter a discussion with them. Some people seem to think that because something is happening far away from them or doesn’t touch them directly, that it isnot their problem. In 2022 no one has this luxury. Everything that happens in the world has an impact on our lives and it would be irresponsible for those that can make a difference to turn their backs. What would be your best piece of advice to future generations?
RO Be fearless in whatever path you choose to follow. Give yourself permission to take chances and don’t be afraid of what others will think. You’ve got this! What is the best and worst part about being Donatella Versace?
DV There was a moment when being “Donatella Versace” was not easy. I was suffering from a great loss. I was put in a position I knew I had to take, but I was not ready to do so because all I wanted was to be by myself and hide from the world. Or when I was in a room full of men who dismissed my ideas even before I had the chance to explain myself. Those years were hard, but I have learned a lot as well. They made me stronger because there is one thing I will never do: give up. Today, it is much easier. I have come to terms with my demons. I say what I think, and I fight for my ideas and what I believe in. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
RO The best advice always comes from my mother, she is such a strong source of support and is always there for me when I need someone to talk to. She has given so much good advice over the years, but probably the most important is to approach situations with an open mind and heart.
Jacket, Prada; dress, tights, Yousef Akbar; shoes, Christian Louboutin; headscarf, stylist’s own; necklace, sunglasses, Cara Mia Vintage. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
DV There has been a lot of talk recently about women taking on more powerful roles in all industries. How do you face it in the times we are living?
RO Of course there is still significant change that needs to happen. Women still struggle with being taken seriously in various industries, and we are constantly fighting for our voices to be heard. We all must do our part wherever we can.
Jacket, pants, belt, jewelry, Roberto Cavalli; shirt, Sportmax; bodysuit, Wolford; watch, Chopard. Photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
Read Next: Inside Vogue Arabia’s February 2022 Issue
Originally published in the February 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia
Senior fashion market editor: Amine JreissatiStyle: Fleur EganHair: LokMakeup: Stoj Bulic Creative producer: Laura Prior Local production: Camille Peck

Rita Ora photographed by Jeremy Cho for Vogue Arabia February 2022
The February 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia features cover star Rita Ora in conversation with Donatella Versace. The two icons reveal a mutual soft power and their desire to devote their platform to the service of the less fortunate.
Singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist Rita Ora is a 21st century self-made superstar. In conversation with Italian designer Donatella Versace, the two icons divulge on their coming of age and living their passions with purpose. “Breaking into the industry was difficult,” she admits. “It took a lot of discipline and faith in myself to feel confident that this was the right path for me,” reflects Ora. “The best advice I can give young girls is to always believe in yourself and the vision you have for your art, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams,” says Ora who started out life as a refugee and went on to see her first record debut at #1 on the UK charts, certifying platinum.
Rita Ora with Donatella Versace. Photo: Getty
Donatella Versace took the reins at the house of Versace following the shock death of her brother Gianni in 1997. Today, Versace is as much a favorite of stars—Angelina Jolie, Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Lady Gaga, to name a few—as it was during the years of its founder. “There was a moment when being ‘Donatella Versace’ was not easy,” admits the designer. “I was suffering from a great loss. I was put in a position I knew I had to take, but I was not ready to do so because all I wanted was to be by myself and hide from the world—or when I was in a room full of men who dismissed my ideas even before I had the chance to explain myself. Those years were hard, but I have learned a lot as well. They made me stronger because there is one thing I will never do: give up.”
The February issue spotlights rising talent 22-year-old Tunisian actress Sonia Ammar who stars in the Scream 5 franchise. A model, who has posed for Miu Miu and Chanel, Ammar speaks of her breakout film role and creating lasting friendships with the star-studded cast. “They made us feel a part of the family,” she reflects. “David Arquette, for instance, is a really great painter. He did a painting class with the whole cast off-set. Courtney Cox had us over for a BBQ at her house. Neve Campbell invited us over on the beach where she was staying.” On set, their words encouraged her to “enjoy the process,” a notion she carried throughout filming. “I have so many things I want to do,” Ammar shares with Vogue Arabia. Currently graduating from Berkeley’s School of Music, Ammar hints at aspirations of becoming a film composer. “Society often tells you that you can only focus on one thing, especially as a woman. But I really believe there is a world where you can be multifaceted. Where you can have all those passions meet in the middle. That’s what I’m looking for.”
Tunisian actress Hend Sabri divulges on her evolving role as the divorced protagonist of Netflix’s Finding Ola. The lead actress is now the show’s executive producer. “My view is that there are not enough complex stories about women in our region. A story that is worth telling, with no lies and no taboos. We should open more spaces for women to be writers,” considers Sabri. “My view is that there are not enough women’s narratives. It’s really rare to find, even for me as an actress, to find a part that is complex, interesting, and also useful to talk about. We should open more spaces for women to narrate their own stories.”
The issue’s acting highlights continues East to spotlight Saudi actress Sumayah Rida, who divulges on her latest movie Rupture; the film won Best Saudi Film Award at the recent Red Sea International Film Festival. “In this film, I’ve had the chance to portray so much of what we, as women, go through,” she says. Considering her role her most important to date, she explains that one of its core themes looks into the concept of social pressure and how her character stands up for what she believes in. “Our aim as filmmakers is to produce a movie that pivots a transformation in the Saudi film scene,” she remarks. “I am really interested in presenting the true image of Muslim Saudi women, which is in my opinion still misrepresented to the world. We, as Saudi women, are very intelligent, sophisticated, and educated. Our voice is heard inside our homes and within our families, I want my roles to channel this reality. I wouldn’t really accept any roles that are misrepresenting my religion, country, or Saudi women in general. Talent alone is not enough. We all need to keep working, learning, and evolving.”
Read Next: “It Was Just One of Those Perfect Moments”: Watch Jennifer Lopez Tell the Story of Her Green Versace Dress

Photo: Carlo Scarpato

It’s customary for Donatella Versace to assemble a star-studded line-up for her seasonal presentations – and Versace’s inaugural digital showcase did not disappoint. “Models are like actors, they bring the designs to life, just like when a performer portrays a character. During the filming of this show I saw how important it is to give the models time to ‘feel’ the clothes they wear on the runway,” she remarked of her casting choices. “Despite living in a digital era of immediacy, taking this time is crucial to form a genuine connection. This is what the present and future look like to me.”
Gigi Hadid opening the fall/winter 2021 showcase made for an explosive return from maternity leave for the supermodel and new mother, who was seen on the streets of Milan ahead of filming last week with her sister Bella and Irina Shayk – both of whom also appeared in the show.
Gigi and Bella Hadid. Photo: Courtesy of Versace

Versace swerved its usual slot on the Milan Fashion Week schedule in favor of an honorary space on the Paris calendar in which to present its fashion film. Gigi was first to walk the 3D maze set, comprised of sculptural Versace La Greca motifs, which the likes of Mona Tougaard, Adut Akech, and Precious Lee posed next to as the show progressed. Hadid first wore an all-black look accessorized with a sprightly blue and red bag (that matched her winged eyeliner), and debuted a fresh hair color for the occasion: she’d swapped her long blonde locks for a deeper, reddish shade, while sister Bella sported a bluntly-chopped dark mane.
The younger Hadid sister was also seen wearing this season’s hero über-elevated boots, styled with a headscarf, a midriff-flossing waistcoat top, a belted skirt, and opera gloves. Later on, she graced the runway in a striking fuchsia A-line minidress – complete with logo tights and satin shoes – followed by a dazzling monogram mini dress and block heels with embellished anklet straps.
Read Next: Gigi Hadid Goes Down Memory Lane with a Series of Never-Before-Seen Pictures
Originally published on Vogue.co.uk