Donatella Versace, 70, is the epitome of elegance in a black midi dress as she attends Dior Menswear show at Paris Fashion Week

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Donatella Versace commanded attention in a fitting midi dress as she arrived at the Dior Menswear catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week on Friday.
The fashion legend, 70 - who recently stood down as Versace creative director - proved she's the epitome of class in the long-sleeve black number.
The Italian businesswoman paired her ensemble with edgy dark shades and towered herself in a pair of chunky brown Versace heels - repping her family brand proudly.
Donatella smiled and waved gently to onlookers as she made a typically triumphant entrance, capturing everyone's attention at the Menswear summer 2026 collection show.
The socialite and business mogul appeared in jovial spirits on her arrival, carrying the essentials in a chic brown leather purse.
Earlier in March, Donatella left her role as the boss of the fashion giant founded by her brother Gianni amid a 'issues' between her and the company which bought the label out in 2018.
The Italian fashionista has stood down as creative director, a job she has held since Gianni's death in 1997 and has been replaced by Dario Vitale seven years after Capri Holdings purchased Versace.
They announced her departure on their Instagram and revealed that the designer, who is the flamboyant face of the firm, will assume the role of chief brand ambassador from April 1 - a far lesser role, say fashion observers.
'In her new role she will dedicate herself to the support of Versace's philanthropic and charitable endeavours and remain an advocate for the brand globally.'
Speaking of her exit, Donatella said: 'Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. It's been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy. He was the true genius but I hope to have some of his spirit and tenacity.'
Sources close to both parties say that things have been 'very difficult' between Donatella and Capri for some time despite her being hailed as the saviour of the brand by attracting A list celebrities to wear her clothes and post about them on Instagram.
In the last year alone Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter have worn the designs, as well as Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga.
Her following consists of new talent like Lil Nas X, Taylor, Miley Cyrus, K-Pop Stars as well as Hollywood legends who she continues to work with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Sir Elton John and Cher.
Sabrina Carpenter looked uncharacteristically conservative in a grey pleated skirt suit at the star-studded event
Donatella's ever changing look has captured fans' attention along with her iconic designs. She is known for admitting she had Botox at the beginning of her tenure as creative director
She also designed the iconic green Versace silk chiffon dress which Jennifer Lopez wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23 2000 and rewore it in 2019.
Donatella is the most followed fashion designer in the world on social media with over 12 million followers
A fashion insider told the Mail: 'Versace now faces an enormous risk without her. Versace is now Donatella-less Versace and that now begs the question that without her designs and relationships with talent, who will wear the brand now?
'She has had a huge cultural impact in the fashion world that she has even watched her own creations have a rebirth, like JLo's green dress
'Donatella has always been the curator of talent around Versace - she brought in Madonna, Whitney and others during the Gianni era and continues to do that to this day - truly a pop culture barometer. How many female designers have grown a company that is worth $2.1 billion dollars?
'No one can dispute that Gianni was a genius - but also no one can dispute Donatella's success with Versace after her brother's passing.'
Speaking of replacing Donatella, former Miu Miu design director said: 'I am truly honored to join Versace as the chief creative officer and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury house created by Gianni and Donatella.
'The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion.
'I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today.
'It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.'
Gianni died in July 1997 after being shot in the head while climbing the steps of his Miami Beach mansion aged 50.