15-05-2025
Donatella Versace savages 'disgraceful' Miami hotel 'trying to capitalize on family tragedy'
Donatella Versace has slammed a Miami hotel and restaurant for using her name for profit.
Nakash Group and Vida & Estilo turned her late brother Gianni Versace 's sprawling home, where he was gunned down in 1997, into two hospitality establishments.
The two businesses are calling the spaces Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant.
In response, the 70-year-old designer — who recently stepped down as Versace Creative Director — shared a statement on social media condemning the move.
'Let me be clear. The hotel and restaurant named Donatella, located near our former family home in Miami, will never have anything to do with me or my family. To try to capitalize on our tragedy and my name for profit is disgraceful,' she wrote on Instagram.
According to the publication Ocean Drive, chef Alessandro Morrone's restaurant will accommodate up to 170 patrons, and the hotel will have six rooms.
The style inspiration behind the lodging and eatery is 'Mediterranean-inspired coastal elegance.'
Offerings will include a spa, private beach access, daybed rentals, a fitness center and jet ski rentals.
Page Six reported this week that the Nakash family scooped up Gianni's mansion for $41.5 million in 2013.
It had previously been sold to telecommunications tycoon Peter Loftin by the Versace camp in 2000.
The fashion mogul's death sent shock waves through the country on July 15, 1997 when he was murdered at the hands of serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
Upon returning to his home in South Miami Beach that day, he was shot twice and collapsed to his death on the front steps.
In March Donatella exited her post as the head of the fashion giant founded by her brother Gianni amid 'issues' between her and Capri Holdings, which bought the label in 2018.
The Italian fashionista had filled the role since Gianni's death, but has now been replaced by Dario Vitale.
Her departure was announced on Instagram and revealed that she would assume the role of Chief Brand Ambassador starting April 1.
'In her new role she will dedicate herself to the support of Versace's philanthropic and charitable endeavors and remain an advocate for the brand globally,' a joint post between Donatella and the official Versace accounts read.
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 said that things have been 'very difficult' between Donatella and Capri for some time, despite her being hailed as the savior of the brand in part by attracting A-list celebrities to the clothes.
