Donatella Versace (DV): Times have certainly changed and the road has not always been downhill. It was challenging to remain relevant, it’s hard to keep up with the constant changes that technologies make us face every day. We have to be flexible and open-minded in order to understand how the public and the customers are evolving. Heritage is important but what’s even more so is to not remain anchored to the past. You always have to look ahead and be yourself, be creative. For many years I have lived under the pressure of expectations, judgments, wrong advice. Now after so long, I think I have found my own voice and that the brand is where I want it to be.
ELLE: How would you define Versace’s growth? And what would you say about the fashion industry–how has that changed in your opinion?
DV: Today, Versace is part of a cultural conversation that goes beyond fashion itself. I think that this means that our work has inspired people and supported communities. We have dared, broken the rules, and yet remained relevant. Fashion as we knew it 20 years ago has evolved into something completely new… at that time internet did not exist, pre-collections did not exist, there were two fashion shows a year and that was your collection, that was your moment. Today the dynamics of the fashion industry have changed, everything is so immediate and fast.
ELLE: What is your first fashion memory?
This story is from the December 2021 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2021 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Top Shelf
For the 12th edition of ELLE International Beauty Awards, over 40 beauty editors from all over the world tested thousands of products and cast their votes to decide on 19 big winners across six beauty categories
Digital Revolution
Beauty tech is on the rise, and in an industry that depends massively on touch and feel, its impact is staggering,
BARCODE Entering His New Era
The Thai Gen Z star chats with Ekta Sinha on his new music and acting plans
Tapas-try of Tastes
Hailed as India's first Tapas restaurant, Escobar's influence in the F&B space is unmatched. Its founder, Vardhaman Choksi discusses his journey with Mithilesh Chougule
Tropical Sojourn
With panoramic ocean views and forests that kiss the sea, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka are gems waiting to be explored
Gen E Star
Could this be one of the most luxurious electric vehicles on the market right now? A first exclusive look at the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV with Riaan Jacob George
Flight To Nirvana
Aliza Fatma delves into spirituality, culture, food and wholesome living with Six Senses in the Kingdom of Bhutan
The Allure of Laura Mercier
Sukriti Shahi in conversation with the inspiring beauty founder on the India launch of her eponymous brand
MAGIC MICRO
Urmi Dande gets an expert to weigh in on whether microencapsulation is the next big thing in the makeup industry
A GUCCI Christmas
The luxury fashion house unwraps a celebration that goes beyond the obvious reports Shyamolika Vaz