The British Fashion Council has announced Donatella Versace will receive the Fashion Icon Award at The Fashion Awards 2017, in partnership with Swarovski. The award celebrates the creativity and innovation, glamour and power of Versace and recognises both the incredible fashion legacy of Gianni Versace and the role Donatella Versace has played in maintaining the iconic brand her brother created as well as supporting, mentoring and championing many young British designers and young designers around the world.
Donatella Versace’s career started by her brother Gianni’s side as his right hand and inspiration, as his challenger and his champion and as the Creative Director of Versus. Whilst Gianni was reinventing the codes of fashion and defining the imagery in fashion for the 90’s, it was Donatella who brought celebrity into the house and into the iconic advertising campaigns.
Following the passing away of her brother, Donatella took up the role of Artistic Director for the brand in 1997 and has since been responsible for countless cultural moments that have shaped the fashion world we know today. Known for her creative brilliance and artistic vision, Donatella has not only gained recognition through her creative direction for Versace, but also through her tremendous support and encouragement of emerging design talent.
The iconic Medusa heads, the invention of metal mesh and advertising campaigns shot by Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber featuring the likes of Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista further defined the ‘90s and turned Versace into an international symbol of luxury and glamour. This year alone has seen her collaborate with Lady Gaga for the Super Bowl, pay homage to Prince at the S/S17 menswear show and pay tribute to her brother Gianni’s vision at the S/S18 show.
