Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

2 0 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Simply Abu Dhabi: This year is a very important year for Versace as it marks the 40thanniversary of the brand and the20thanniversary of youasCreativeDirector. How do you feel about this milestone? Donatella Versace: First of all, I’m not really an “anniversary” person. I’d like to think of it as, “I’ve already been here for 20 years!” But jokes apart, obviously, this is a very important year, both personally and for Versace, and of course I’m proud of it. I’m proud of what my brother created and of what I did since I started this unexpected adventure as Artistic Director. Most importantly, I’m proud of the fact that Versace is considered relevant still today. But I’m not the kind of person who likes to constantly look back at the past and indulge in self-congratulation. My focus is firmly on the now and on the future. In general, I've always been excited about the future, about what is yet to come. I’m impatient. I get bored easily. I want to know what’s going to happen next. It was true when I was a teenager, and it's true now. Versace is more than just a brand to me, it is family, and its DNA and traditions are in my blood. What interests me is taking those traditions and pushing them forwards into the future.