Donatella Versace is to receive the Fashion Icon Award at the British Fashion Council's (BFC) 2017 Fashion Awards. The Italian fashion designer is the creative director and vice president of Versace Group, having taken the helm following the tragic murder of her brother Gianni Versace in 1997. To honour her creativity and legacy within the fashion industry, Donatella has been named the recipient of a prestigious award at the BFC's upcoming ceremony.
The organisation's chair Natalie Massenet has explained why Donatella was chosen for the prize, praising her ongoing commitment to fashion and mentoring of young talent. "She has shown incredible strength and dedication to the industry and has continued her brother's legacy through her remarkable work," Natalie said. "What I admire the most about her is her ability to make women look and feel powerful. I could not imagine a better recipient of this award."
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Donatella Versace will be awarded the Fashion Icon Award for her sevices to the industry
This year marks an important milestone for the Versace house, with Donatella celebrating her 20-year anniversary at the helm. In recent months, she has collaborated with Lady Gaga for the Super Bowl and paid tribute to Gianni's vision with a special show featuring models Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell held during Milan Fashion Week in September. Donatella is thrilled to be receiving the Fashion Icon Award in recognition of her work, explaining, "For 40 years, my brother and I have done what we love and that is a legacy I am honoured to continue and uphold.
"We have celebrated empowerment, joy and of course glamour. We have championed a community of people who share our values and together with them have created truly iconic images in the world of fashion. I am truly humbled by how Versace has been embraced across the decades, across the world and across the generations." The 2017 Fashion Awards will take place at London's Royal Albert Hall on 4 December.
