Donatella Versace criticises the use of her name in a new hotel in Miami

The new hotel ‘Donatella’ is set to open in May without the designer’s consent, who considers it an inappropriate use of her legacy.

Donatella Versace has spoken out against the Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, a new establishment in Miami scheduled to open on 21 May. The 70-year-old Italian designer has denied any involvement with the project and expressed her dismay over the use of her name near the location where her brother, Gianni Versace, was murdered in 1997.

In a statement shared via Instagram, the designer wrote: “Let me be clear. The hotel and restaurant named ‘Donatella’, located near the place where my brother’s life was taken, has no connection to me or my family, and never will.” She added: “Exploiting our tragedy and my name for profit is outrageous.”

The project is being developed by the Nakash Group alongside Vida & Estilo Hospitality, owners of the former Versace mansion since 2013, now known as Villa Casa Casuarina. According to Ocean Drive magazine, the new opening is being presented as a “sister property” to the current hotel, which includes Gianni’s restaurant.

Donatella’s statement aims to set clear boundaries regarding the use of her image and to safeguard her family’s legacy.