Jennifer Lopez is celebrating an icon. After Donatella Versace announced she is stepping down as chief creative officer of Versace, JLo took a moment to honor her longtime friend and collaborator with a heartfelt tribute.
“Gianni would be so proud,” Lopez wrote, acknowledging the legendary designer’s brother, Gianni Versace, whose tragic passing in 1997 led Donatella to take over the brand. “What a journey you have been on. You are strong, resilient, powerful, and talented, and I am so happy that I have gotten to know you over the years.”
Lopez and Donatella’s bond will go down in fashion history, with the singer sharing some of their most iconic moments. "Together, our journey and the friendship that we have formed has been incredible. I know this next chapter will be filled with love, happiness, and friendship… and whatever you want to create it to be. I am always here for you," Lopez continued.
It was Donatella who designed the green jungle-print dress that Lopez wore to the 2000 Grammys.
The dress was so iconic it literally changed the internet, leading to the creation of Google Images. Nearly two decades later, Versace and Lopez reunited for an even more jaw-dropping moment when JLo closed Versace’s 2019 runway show in an updated version of the dress.
The respect is mutual, and Donatella has often praised Lopez. For the "Jenny from the Block" singer's InStyle cover story, she called her "limitless." "It describes her perfectly. Her discipline, her courage, her resilience, her hard work, her intelligence… rarely have I met someone who had a dream and worked so hard to achieve it," she told the outlet. "When you are in the same room with Jennifer, you can almost feel her energy pulsating through her veins and filling the space around her. I love her with all my heart."
Donatella’s departure marks the end of an era, and she has honored Gianni’s legacy while cementing her own legacy as a true visionary.