Bella Hadid honored Donatella Versace with an emotional tribute on social media amid news that the designer has left her position as creative director of Versace. The fashion icon’s role has been filled by former Miu Miu design director Dario Vitale, per a March 13 report by AP.
“Donatella Era. Will live on for infinity. I love you DV. Our time together will be memories I am buried with,” Hadid captioned an Instagram Carousel of memories she shared with the sister of the late Gianni Versace.
The supermodel went on to thank Versace for giving her a confidence boost, writing, “The first time I truly felt beautiful in our industry. YOU. Thank you for being Fashion Mother to us all. For making us feel loved. Beautiful. Unique. Sexy. Happy.”
The brunette beauty finished the message, which she stylized in all caps, by saying, “You are the 1. The only. The Donatella Versace,” and adding a purple heart emoji. The post already had over a million “likes” the day after it was made.
Versace responded to Hadid’s sweet outpouring of love by writing in the comments, “Bella, your words truly mean the world to me. You are beautiful inside and out with a heart made of Versace gold. I love you so so much. Thank you for always being there for me. With love, Donatella VERSACE.”
Donatella Was Versace’s Creative Director For 28 Years
The 69-year-old took the reins at the fashion house immediately after the 1997 death of the brand’s founder, her older brother Gianni Versace.
Her most widely remembered design may be the green jungle-print dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys. The red carpet moment was so buzz-worthy that it inspired the creation of Google Images, according to the BBC.
GettyWhen it comes to fashion advice, Versace favors heels over flats, and said in a 2018 Vogue interview that “a pair of tight black pants” is the one most important item every woman should have in her wardrobe.
In the same interview, she told the magazine she thought her brother Gianni would probably call her run as Versace’s creative director “not good enough,” and that the thing she missed most about the perfectionist was “his love.”
She said her favorite memory with the icon was being backstage with him at a Paris fashion show just before he was killed, and that the most inspiring thing about him was “his life.”
Donatella Versace Will Stay Involved With The Brand
She may be exiting as creative director, but Versace is not straying far from the flamboyant fashion house.
Capri, the group that owns the brand, said in a March 13 press release, “Donatella Versace will assume the role of Chief Brand Ambassador effective April 1, 2025. In her new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, Ms. Versace will dedicate herself to the support of Versace’s philanthropic and charitable endeavors and will remain an advocate for the brand globally.”
Versace’s Instagram bio currently reads, “Versace. Always in my heart.”
Many Celebrities Reacted to The News Of Donatella’s Departure
A slew of celebrities commented on Versace’s most recent Instagram post in the wake of the shakeup news.
Versace’s post featured an array of her various designs and a caption possibly addressed to her brother that read, “I hope I’ve made you proud so far.”
Sabrina Carpenter wrote in the comments, “One and only,” followed by several kiss emojis.
Victoria Beckham shared lengthier sentiments, saying, “I’ve always admired your creative vision and your unwavering dedication. Incredible to see the legacy that you’ve built. Forever an inspiration and a true icon.”
Anne Hathaway exclaimed, “You are the greatest Versace icon, and the most wonderful human. She finished the note by sending well wishes with the Italian word “Auguri!”
Versace’s post featured an array of her various designs and a caption possibly addressed to her brother that read, “I hope I’ve made you proud so far.”
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Bella Hadid Pays Tribute to Donatella Versace After Exit