A Golden Farewell: Kate Moss and Supermodels Celebrate Donatella Versace's Legacy

The Bittersweet Farewell of Donatella Versace: A Legendary Designer's Swan Song

In a glittering spectacle that would make even the most seasoned fashionista weak in the knees, Donatella Versace bid adieu to her nearly three-decade reign at the iconic fashion house she co-founded with her late brother Gianni. The Italian siren gathered her closest confidantes – a veritable who's who of supermodels – for an unforgettable bash that would later be immortalized in the brand's autumn/winter ad campaign.

The guest list read like a Who's Who of 90s and early 2000s supermodels, with Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Amber Valetta, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Carla Bruni, and Elizabeth Hurley all making an appearance. The A-list partygoers were treated to a dazzling display of Donatella's signature gold and silver chainmail dresses – the very same designs that have been gracing red carpets and magazine covers for decades.

The photoshoot, helmed by acclaimed duo Mert and Marcus (Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott), would become an instant classic. Featuring 25 models, the campaign is a loving tribute to Donatella's most iconic creations. Archive pieces from the 1990s and early 2000s sit alongside newer designs that will be available for purchase next season.

Those with a keen eye for fashion history might recall the time Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell wore matching silver chainmail gowns to the Golden Globes in 1999. Or how about the 2017 Versace show, where Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Carla Bruni, and Claudia Schiffer stunned on the catwalk in identical silver chainmail evening dresses? The latter was a poignant tribute to Gianni's memory, marking the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing.

One look at Donatella's Instagram feed – where she boasts an impressive 12.4 million followers – and it becomes clear that this is more than just a farewell party; it's a celebration of the Versace woman. For those willing to splurge, a new chainmail mini dress will set you back around £3,000. However, die-hard collectors might be interested to know that the original 90s versions can fetch up to £15,000 on resale sites.

"It was an extraordinary experience," Donatella gushed to her devoted followers. "The dresses reflect the light radiating from these amazing women... It's all about friendship, loyalty, and love – created to celebrate the soul of the Versace woman."

But behind the glitz and glamour lies a more complex story. Donatella's future at Versace is uncertain, following the brand's acquisition by Prada Group in March for a staggering $1.375 billion (£1.06 billion). Under the new ownership, Donatella will remain chief brand ambassador but will no longer be at the helm as creative director. The "Versada" era has officially begun, with Miuccia Prada and her team set to steer the ship towards an even brighter future.

As one chapter closes for Donatella Versace, another begins – one that promises to redefine the boundaries of luxury fashion. And who knows? Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for the 69-year-old designer to take a well-deserved break, allowing herself to rediscover her creative spark and return with an even more fierce and innovative vision.

For now, let's raise a glass (or a chainmail dress) to Donatella Versace – a true icon of the fashion world who will be remembered for generations to come.