In what year was Donatella Versace born?

Donatella Versace was born in 1955.

Her full name is Donatella Francesca Versace, and she was born on 2 May 1955 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. She grew up in a family closely connected to fashion: her mother, Francesca, worked as a seamstress before opening her own boutique, where Donatella was exposed to clothing and design from an early age.

Donatella later studied literature and languages in Florence while regularly travelling to Milan to work with her older brother Gianni. The Versace fashion company was established in 1978, with Donatella serving as vice-president and helping shape its styling, accessories and public image. Gianni also regarded her as a creative adviser and muse.

After Gianni’s murder in 1997, Donatella became the brand’s creative director and guided its fashion identity for decades. A common mix-up is confusing her birth year with Gianni’s: he was born in 1946, while their older brother Santo was born in 1944. Donatella announced her departure as Versace’s chief creative officer in 2025.