Donatella Versace’s Stunning New Look Will Leave You Breathless!
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photo: Getty Images
Valerie Monroe’s newsletter, How Not to F*ck Up Your Face, is on Substack.
Picture this: the glamorous Donatella Versace gracing the public eye with a refreshed appearance that’s ignited a storm of curiosity. The before-and-after snapshots! The buzz surrounding her presence at the Devil Wears Prada premiere! Speculations galore about potential tweaks to her iconic visage. What’s the real story behind this transformation?
But let’s pause for a moment: how different is her face, really? Expert insights from evolutionary psychology hint at a blend of evolving beauty standards and the natural aging process. As aesthetic treatments advance, the trend shifts towards a more “authentic” look—embracing features that align with one’s age. Donatella, now a seasoned 69, appears to have grown into her features, opting for a conservative hairstyle that evokes a relatable, almost “housewives” vibe—one that feels more akin to American beauty ideals.
But here’s the kicker: every choice we make in our youth regarding beauty can have unexpected ramifications down the line. A rising chorus in beauty discussions highlights a startling truth: fillers might complicate future facelift options. Recent surveys have shown a significant percentage of plastic surgeons noticing increased difficulties in performing facelifts on those who previously opted for fillers. What does this mean? For many, the prospect of surgery looms earlier than ever. Between 2022 and 2023, we saw a staggering 7% jump in facelift surgeries among the 30-39 age group, with an eye-popping 45% surge for forehead lifts!
But let’s be real: even the most skilled injectors can’t predict how a face will evolve over time. The aging process is relentless, and once the aesthetic adjustments begin, there’s a never-ending chase to maintain that perfect balance. Donatella’s previous “disproportionate” lips, often the result of less-than-ideal injections, paint a picture of the struggle for proportionality in beauty.
What do I think about Donatella’s new look? Honestly, not much.
Okay, maybe a little. I’m utterly fatigued by the circus surrounding celebrity transformations, the endless chatter about beauty being ruined or the latest “mind-blowing” reveal. Yet, I can’t help but be drawn to Donatella’s transformation—what is it about her that makes it so hard to look away?
In Donatella’s case, her face has always held a captivating allure, mirroring her unique journey. The stark bleached brows, the dramatic smoky eyes, those once-luscious lips—all tell tales of a life punctuated by both hardship and glamour. But her latest look seems tamer, conforming more closely to conventional beauty standards, leaving behind the striking character she once embodied.
As we venture into an era where aesthetic choices abound, let’s champion a trend of empathy towards the myriad paths we all take. Is it the holiday spirit that’s shifting our perspectives, nudging us toward self-acceptance? Or are we simply overwhelmed by life’s demands, seeking a reprieve in how we view beauty?
Judgment on Donatella’s aesthetic choices? Not here. What truly matters, as both experts affirm, is whether she feels content with her choices. And if she does, more power to her. Let’s celebrate that!