Gigi Hadid is honoring Donatella Versace after the fashion visionary stepped down as chief creative officer of the designer brand.
“Working with Versace in the era of Donatella will forever be one of the greatest highlights of my career,” Hadid, 29, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, March 16, alongside several photos from her time as a Versace model. “What is more of a life’s honor is saying that I know and love this Super Woman.”
“There is warmth, strength, gentleness, humor, generosity, encouragement, loyalty, and magic to @donatella_versace that I feel so lucky to have experienced from this boss and icon,” Hadid continued. “To say her support for me, 10 years ago, changed the course of my career would be an understatement.”
Hadid added that Donatella “was the first person to put me on a big, high fashion runway — then put me in the campaign that season,” saying, “Looking back at each memory since- more fittings, shoots, shows, carpets, campaigns, and dinners at Donatella’s than I can include^.. I’m reminded how her belief in me a decade ago made me see myself in ways I hadn’t before.”
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She continued, “I became a woman working for this woman. Some of the moments I’ve felt the most empowered, confident, and beautiful are because of her. I’ll never forget that.”
Hadid ended her heartfelt caption with a personal message for Donatella, saying, “DV- you know I love you so much. Thank you for everything, and for all you have given the world. I will always cherish my time wearing your creations, but the memories continue:) x x 4ever your girl 
.”
It was announced by Versace’s U.S. owner Capri Holdings on Thursday, March 13, that Donatella would step down as chief creative officer for the role of chief brand ambassador. Miu Miu’s former design and image director, Dario Vitale, will take over as CCO effective April 1.
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“Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” Donatella said via Instagram on Thursday. “I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I had the privilege of working with for over three decades.”
She added, “In my new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”
