Today marks the birthday of one of fashions greatest Icons, Donatella Versace. In just under 20 years she has gone from "sister of" Gianni to one of the most influential designers of our generation. A friend of mine once told me a story about his brief encounter with Donatella, he was assisting a well known photographer on a Versace campaign when Donatella walked in dressed head to toe in PVC and sat very quietly at the back of the studio. A few minutes later she lit a cigarette and the dutiful assistant ran over to her with an ash tray, she put out her cigarette and winked.

A few hours later, after some hushed words between the photographer and the Versace team, the crew began work on changing the entire set. Donatella, who had yet to say anything, sat and watched quietly. Once the changes were made and shooting recommenced she jumped off her seat and exclaimed: "Now THIS is Versace." This story was the perfect example of Donatella's understanding of the brand her beloved brother created, and a testament to her unwavering vision. To celebrate her birthday we take a look back at some of Donatella's most memorable quotes over the last fifty-nine years in the form of GIFs...

"I STOPPED WORKING WITH MY PERSONAL TRAINER BECAUSE HE WOULDN'T LET ME SMOKE WHILST I WORKED OUT."

"MY STYLE IS NOT THAT BIG. I WEAR HIGH HEELS, TIGHT PANTS, AND I WEAR DIAMONDS."

"IT WOULD BE VERY EASY FOR US TO DO A COLLECTION EVERYONE WOULD LIKE AND NO ONE WOULD CRITICISE. BUT CRITICISM IS A PART OF LIFE, YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT."

via: giphy.com

"I DON'T SEE ANYBODY ELSE CATEGORIZED AS A "FASHION DIVA", EXCEPT FOR ME. AND I LIKE THAT!"

"I FIND OLDER MEN MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN BOYS, I NEED A MAN WHO CAN TEACH ME A THING OR TWO."

"I WAS OBSESSED WITH THE MEN!"

"FUNDAMENTALLY, FASHION IS THERE TO FULFIL A PRACTICAL PURPOSE – TO MAKE US LOOK GREAT."

via: giphy.com

"THERE'S TIME TO SLOW DOWN, AFTER YOU'RE DEAD."