Outfit: custom Versace by Donatella Versace
Makeup Artist: Renato Bernardi
Hairstylist: Lorenzo Barcella
I got to be honest with you, I needed a pick-me-up today and what I thought would be useful was writing about one of my favorite brands.
A game of fashion musical chairs has played out lately and I couldn’t help but think about a time when things were a bit steadier and less economically/trend driven.
I was truly sad when I saw that Donatella Versace was leaving her brand, but I was also aware of the fact that it would have been a conversation to be had, sooner or later.
Donatella didn’t probably envision herself as the heir of her brother’s legacy, but fate had other plans, and she did what she had to do, with her ups and downs, but with dignity and pride.
Other times I mentioned that I see a lot of myself in her, especially because we come from the same place (Calabria) and we both studied foreign languages–not even mentioning the love for fashion and maximalist style (the latter in a good amount).
Photo #3 is courtesy of Acielle Tanbetova (@/styledumonde)
That being said, I do also admire Donatella as a public figure with her own sense of style and set of values, that’s why I’d love to talk about what she wore to the Vanity Fair Oscar Afterparty last year.
The blonde Italian businesswoman donned a metallic gold custom Versace halter dress, inspired by a model from the Fall-Winter 2025 collection, paired with statement diamond rings.
Her makeup was courtesy of Renato Bernardi who was able to soften her usual black smokey eye, transforming it into something more delicate, using a gold eyeshadow gently applied on the lids and more decisively on the lower lash line.
To frame her green eye, the pro also used a black flick of matte eyeliner and false lashes–to balance everything off, he opted for a light peach nude reflective gloss.
Lorenzo Barcella styled her hair in side parted soft waves, sweeping her fringe on the side: very glamour, very decadent, very Donatella Versace.
