By Loïc Prigent
Photograph: Courtesy of Versace
Loïc Prigent: How big is your closet?
Donatella Versace: As big as the house of Versace. I only wear, and have only ever worn, Versace. At work, I wear pretty much the same kind of things: black jeans, black top, black leather dress.
How extreme are you?
Very. I want everything to be the most it can be. The loudest music, the biggest diamond, the most exquisite craftsmanship, the most luxurious materials.
What do you binge on?
Fashion. Some designers complain about how many collections they have to create each year. For me, I can’t get enough. I get impatient for next season as soon as a show is over.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Is gossiping a guilty pleasure?
What did you learn from Madonna?
Discipline.
What did you teach Madonna?
What life is like with long blond extensions.
What is the right height for a high heel?
The right height is super, super high. I don’t understand any other height. I have never worn a kitten heel. But I love it when I see a young woman wearing a Versus Versace print dress, a leather jacket and a pair of biker boots.
How can someone impress you at a job interview?
Be quick-witted, be original, be authentic, be curious, be enthusiastic, be strong. And don’t presume that I want to hear flattery.
What are the qualities of the best personal assistant?
The ability to know what I want before I want it.
What makes a good bodyguard?
The way he looks. If I am to have a guard with me at all hours, I want someone who is good looking.
What makes a good body?
Health of mind and body.
What is your greatest superstition?
I’m not superstitious. Life is too short.
Have you got a secret Instagram account you’re not telling us about?
I have no secrets, and if I did I wouldn’t share them with you! The official Versace account is mine!
What did you learn from Lady Gaga?
A new contemporary language.
What did you teach Lady Gaga?
To be blond inside.
How was it to work with Richard Avedon?
One of the most amazing experiences of my career. Those shoots were incredible moments of pure creativity. Avedon’s genius was to take the power of Versace and the beauty of the models, to create some of the most iconic fashion imagery of all time. It was an honour to be there, by his side, on every shoot. It was an experience I shall never forget.
What was the best party you ever attended?
All of Versace’s after-show parties.
Who is your favourite DJ of all time?
The most surprising DJs are the ones who aren’t normally DJs.
When is the last time you had a sleepless night?
Every night before each show! But if a designer gets any sleep before their show, they should be worried. If you don’t have a sleepless night, you’re not working hard enough.