Home is…
Milan, I have lived there since I was a young woman when I started working with my brother, Gianni, as he started Versace. I live in an apartment there with my two dogs.
If you could buy any building in London and live there, which would it be?
I love the royal family, so maybe a palace if they had one spare… I might make it a bit more Versace.
Most memorable meal?
I loved Toklas where Versace hosted the opening of Frieze a couple of years ago, when I met some of London’s incredible art community. Also I recently visited the Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion exhibition at the Design Museum. It was so inspiring to see the work of so many talented young London designers. After, I took my team for fish and chips at the Ivy on Kensington High Street — it was delicious but I am still recovering.
Where in London would you most like to be buried?
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square — I think they are keeping it free for me!
What makes someone a Londoner?
Respect and acceptance of everyone, no matter how you identify and where you come from. For me I find the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in London one of the most important things to experience. It’s far from perfect, with so much terrible violence directed towards the trans community of course, but London has always felt inclusive to me and truly vibrant.
Most iconic Londoner?
The Queen — always was, always will be. And now the King — I have had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, most memorably when we organised a fundraiser for The Prince’s Trust. My friend Prince came. I remember introducing them. I said, ‘Prince, meet Prince.’ It still makes me laugh to think of it.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I have had amazing times talking to the students at Central Saint Martins. They have always made me feel so incredibly welcome. We even did a fashion show inside the atrium at the college — I loved that experience. I used to let my hair down more often and had some fabulous times here, especially in the amazing gay clubs. It’s a shame so many places have closed now for the LGBTQ+ community. My friends always wanted me to go to The Glory but I never made it. I’m sad they closed it.
Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?
No, thankfully. I did have an ex-policeman as my London security guard years ago who looked after me at the beautiful memorial service for the Princess of Wales.
Biggest extravagance?
The very best and most unusual beauty creams I can find. I love anything and everything from Clé de Peau. And time off. I know it’s a cliché but that is the greatest luxury for me. Time with friends, family and the dogs of course!
What’s your London secret?
I used to walk my dog Audrey in Hyde Park undercover.
What are you up to at the moment for work?
I am excited to be launching our Versace Pride Collection that will raise money for The Rocket Fund for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
What do you collect?
I have quite a few diamonds. I am not going to tell you how many! And fragrances are an obsession — I have around a hundred bottles in my bathroom at home.
What apps can you not live without?
The Evening Standard app clearly! I need to know everything that is going on behind closed doors and open ones in London. I am obsessed by news and politics.
Who is your hero?
My brother Gianni. He taught me to trust my instincts, to never by afraid and to stand up for what I believe in.
