With much of the world deeply rocked by the global pandemic and social unrest, it is time for us to rethink, reevaluate, redress — and Donatella Versace understands this like no one else. We spoke with the iconic fashion designer and businesswoman on the importance of channeling authenticity, expressing your personality and being vocal about diversity and inclusivity.

It’s a celebration of Versace’s home couture collection — styled by maestro Nicola Formichetti, lensed and modeled by Daniella Midenge.

V Magazine Do any of the archival pieces here stick out to you? If there’s one in particular, why?

Donatella Versace I feel very proud when I see people mixing vintage Gianni Versace pieces with the new ones. To me, it means that Versace has become something more than just a fashion brand. The aesthetic and the world that my brother has created live on, they have evolved, but they are still true to itself. It’s all about authenticity and building on your foundations instead of keep changing direction to remain relevant. This is something so important to me…

V When you see stylists working with Versace pieces, do you feel that they approach them differently than they would compare to other fashion houses?

DV As they should! I am always curious to see how, not just the stylists, but people too, mix the pieces according to their taste and their personality. Individuality is what makes us all special. What you see on the runway is just a suggestion, my vision, but then when the collections go out in the world, they belong to everyone and seeing how different cultures interpret that vision differently and uniquely is fascinating.

V Can you speak to the synchronicity of Versace Men’s, Versace Women’s, and Versace Home?

DV I wanted to achieve that because it speaks to where we are now as a society and to the values I have been so vocal about, like diversity and inclusivity. The younger generations of today have taught to all of us that we should become more open-minded and less attached to the old concepts of gender and sexuality that we used to have. The lines have become blurred in a way that was unthinkable only 10 years ago and I wanted my collections to reflect that. To me, it is all about people being equal and having the right to express themselves in any way they want.

V What do you believe is the role of creativity during a crisis or fashion in particular?

DV To give hope. To provide escapism. To be respectful and, most importantly, to be supportive.