Quote Of The Day By Donatella Versace: 'Fashion Is A Weapon That You Can Use When...'

Donatella Versace is part of perhaps the most influential fashion family in the world. Alongside her siblings Gianni and Santo, Donatella built the Versace fashion house from the ground up. As the youngest sibling in the Versace family, Donatella was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1955. Like her brother Gianni, Donatella learned the art of design from their mother, who was a talented dressmaker. After leaving university, Donatella supported Gianni during the launch of his fashion house Versace in the late 1970s — acting as his "muse and critic" before being given control of Versace's "Versus" line. Over the years, Donatella took on a more active role in the business; she especially led Versace whilst Gianni was battling cancer in the mid-1990s. 

However, shortly after Gianni's recovery, the legendary designer was murdered outside of his home in Miami, Florida, in 1997. In the wake of his tragic passing, Donatella took charge of the family's business. As chief creative officer, Donatella expanded the brand to include fragrance, accessories, home decor, and even hotels — not to mention reimagining both the Versus and haute couture line Atelier Versace. Though Donatella stepped down from her role as Versace's creative director in 2025, she remains at the forefront of her family's brand as Chief Brand Ambassador. Donatella's steadfast commitment to preserving her brother's legacy, solidifying her own, and influencing the fashion industry at large makes her quote of the day more relevant than ever. 

Donatella Versace understands firsthand how the way you dress can impact how you are perceived — both by other people and internally. During an interview with Vogue Australia in 2012, Donatella said, "Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it. I think my own look makes people think I'm tough but when they get to know me I'm very different. It's like armour that was useful to me in the first years after Gianni's death." Donatella utilized her style to navigate the public eye after her brother's passing, keeping up appearances even when she was at her lowest.

Fashion is more than just the clothes you wear. It can be a powerful tool for changing how the outside world sees you (and by extension, how you feel whilst navigating your day-to-day life). Donatella Versace knew this better than most. After the passing of her brother and legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1997, Donatella was left to run his fashion house alongside their brother Santo. Donatella became the brand's chief designer, which immediately led the public to compare her to her late brother. To conceal her pain and present herself as well put together to the world, Donatella used her signature style as an "armour." 

While we can debate whether or not hiding all of your emotions behind heavy black shield sunglasses is healthy, Donatella's strategy of using clothing as a weapon can be quite beneficial. The first impression you make on someone else is always the most important, so make sure you dress for success (whatever that means to you). If you step into the world feeling confident and secure in yourself, you'll have an easier time building the life you want. Clothing is more important than you'd think in terms of being your best self; you won't be able to put your best foot forward every day if you feel uncomfortable with your appearance.

• "I know fashion is not something that can change the world, but it can change the woman. It can empower the woman. It can make her strong, in herself, and to believe in herself more."
• "In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life."
• "I think glamour all the time. I wake up in the morning, and I'm already thinking glamour."
• "Die and born again, die and born again. It's the story of my life."
• "It's no good being too easily swayed by people's opinions. You have to believe in yourself."
• "Let's just say beauty inspires me. But I like all beauty – I think it really comes from the inside out."
• "I'm a designer, and I work very hard at that. People sometimes want to put down fashion by saying it's frivolous or superficial, but it's not that way at all. It's actually very hard work."