Asia Major

Lighting up Hong Kong’s business epicentre is Versace’s new flagship store — a beacon of hope amid challenging times for luxury retailers.

- Jacquie Ang

CONTRARY TO RUMOURS of retirement and handing creative reins over to Riccardo Tisci, friend and former creative director of Givenchy, Donatella Versace is hardly resting on her laurels.

At the helm of Versace since the tragic demise of older brother Gianni in 1997, the indefatigable 62-year-old jetsetter has kept her profile high with a series of major events this year. Apart from launching new collections for Versace’s menswear and womenswear in Milan, she squeezed in time for the spectacular Superbowl half-time performance in Texas, which starred Lady Gaga in a trio of Atelier Versace outfits. She also made her presence felt at the Oscars in Los Angeles, and most recently, the Met Gala in New York, where she dressed a whopping 12 celebrities, such as first-time attendee Celine Dion.