81. ALLEGRA VERSACE – DONATELLA VERSACE’S DAUGHTER

The current CCO (chief creative officer) of the billion-dollar worth Italian fashion empire, Versace, is Donatella Versace. The company was founded by her brother in 1978, and Donatella inherited 20% of the shares as well as the title CEO when he was murdered in 1997. Donatella’s daughter, Allegra Versace, was left 50% of the shares, which she gained control of when she turned 18 years old.

The company – and the relationship between mother and daughter – went through a lot of turmoil over the years. You would think such a successful brand wouldn’t have problems with loans or profits, but the business took a hit. In the end, the Versace empire was bought out by Michael Kors for 2 billion euros. However, Allegra still remains the director of Gianni Versace since she took over the position in 2011. The 33-year old fashion entrepreneur had previously worked as a theatrical dresser in New York City. She’d also faced mental health problems in her youth. We hope the young woman is feeling better now and that her relationship with her mother has been mended.