DONATELLA VERSACE IS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE OXFORD UNION

DONATELLA VERSACE IS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE OXFORD UNION



Yesterday 30th May at the Oxford Union, renowned fashion designer and Creative Director of Versace and Versus, Donatella Versace, gave a talk to over 300 Oxford University students. Held as an ‘in conversation with’ Style.com’s fashion writer Tim Blanks, Ms. Versace spoke about the great fashion house of Versace, referencing style, family, past and future, Versace icons and touching on topics of history, technology, economy, globalism and feminism.

Accompanied by long-term friend Rupert Everett, and collaborator on her Versus line Christopher Kane, Donatella Versace arrived to rapturous applause from students, fans and paparazzi.

"I am really honoured and excited about speaking at the Oxford Union. I went to university in Florence - another ancient university city – but the university there is neither as old nor as famous as that in Oxford, nor does it have this amazing tradition of public speaking and debate. My classmates from back then would be very amused to see me at Oxford today. And I’m sure there will be others who will be astonished to find me addressing the Union. But maybe I can surprise a few people?”

Donatella Versace

“It is a privilege to have welcomed Donatella Versace to the Oxford Union today. I am delighted that somebody so notable and distinguished has taken the time out of her schedule to share her wisdom and experiences with our members - a large number of whom are interested in fashion, as seen by the success of previous visitors such as Anna Wintour. Moreover I’m sure that even those who are not interested in fashion will take inspiration from Donatella’s visit. We are honoured to be able to add Ms. Versace to our list of distinguished guest speakers.”

Dean Palmer, Oxford Union President

Previous speakers from the worlds of Art, Music, Fashion, Politics and Science at the Oxford Union include Michael Jackson, The Dalai Lama, Professor Stephen Hawking, Johnny Depp, Lawrence Dellalio and Dame Judi Dench, to name but a few.