DONATELLA VERSACE AND AUDREY THE JACK RUSSELL
No, we didn’t fly over to Italy on the Versace jet to interview the lady herself, but thanks to Instyle.com, we can all hear from Donatella first hand about her trusty sidekick, Audrey. Can you even imagine her wardrobe?
Words: Instyle.com Pictures: Instyle.com and various
InStyle: How has Audrey adapted to lockdown?
Donatella: She is definitely enjoying being together more than usual. She usually comes to my office where she has her space while I go from one meeting to the other but she’s never with me like this. I consider myself very lucky to be able to keep on working remotely - and to be in a position that allows me to help those in need. Normally, I do not really like to talk about what I do to help others, but this is a different case. The coronavirus pandemic has hit all of us, all over the world. And those who can help need to set an example and, maybe, inspire others to do the same. It’s not about how big or small your contribution is: What really matters is the fact that you are doing all you can.
InStyle: You look amazing in this picture (above). Do you dress up like this frequently while in isolation? (Most of us are just in pajamas all day.)
Donatella: Thank you very much! I do like to wear nice things even when I am on my own. For me it is not so much about vanity, but about a mental mode. I enjoy taking care of myself even if no one sees me and that includes wearing nice clothes. It does not have to be a dress, but it could also be a beautiful sweater and leggings. It depends on my mood.
InStyle: Have you found her presence comforting?
Donatella: To be honest with you, I do not need much comforting. But Audrey has kept me company and that is more than a lot of people have while locked in their homes. My heart goes out to all those that are going through this moment of fear and uncertainty by themselves. I admire how people – as we always do in times like this – have found new ways to stay connected thanks to the tools that technology has given us. If there is a silver lining to what we are going through, it is that we are all being a bit kinder to one another. We no longer take for granted the things we ceased to notice, such as the freedom of seeing each other whenever we wanted. This is a lesson we’ve learnt the hard way, but I hope it stays with us even when this is emergency is over.
“I am convinced that she thinks she is human, because at dinner you’ll always find her sitting in a chair at a set table.”
InStyle: How did you choose the name Audrey?
Donatella: Audrey has been a most welcome presence in our lives and makes everything so much more … interesting! She is the queen of the house (well at least she thinks she is). I named her after a model I worked with on a shoot with master photographer Richard Avedon who was very opinionated and always said how she thought things should have been done. Saying that she had a strong personality is like using the euphemism of the year! As you can imagine, these were not the easiest moments on set. Audrey, my dog, also has a strong and independent personality. And she thinks she is a model herself. She always manages to get in front of the camera and it’s hilarious to see how she strikes a pose!
InStyle: Do you ever make dog clothes for her?
Donatella: We do produce a line of Versace clothing and small accessories for dogs that was born out of the fact that I wanted them for Audrey. But she also has a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces because at the end of the day, she is my one and only.
InStyle: Favourite things to do with Audrey?
Donatella: You mean, what are the things that I do with her because I have no other choice? Jokes aside, she loves watching me while I put on my makeup. She comes into my bathroom and stares so intently. I think she feels a bit of competition…
InStyle: What is Audrey’s quarantine diet?
Donatella: She loves roasted chicken, however she eats vegetarian food for her own health. I am convinced that she thinks she is human, because at dinner you’ll always find her sitting in a chair at a set table. She cannot accept the fact that she has to eat from a bowl on the floor, while we are all gathered at the table.
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