The world of high fashion is coming to the small screen this weekend when Lifetime's House of Versace airs.
The TV movie tells the story of the success and tragedy that befell the Versace family after Donatella became head of the massive fashion house following the 1997 murder of her designer brother Gianni.
Actress Gina Gershon steps into the role of the very blond and very Italian Donatella, whose distinct voice and mannerisms Maya Rudolph spoofed during her time at Saturday Night Live.
Gershon told Katie Couric that she was initially hesitant to take the role because of its potential to be a caricature rather than an homage.
"I think because I hadn't read it (the script) yet, and they said, 'Oh, you've been offered Donatella', and I was like, 'There's no way I'm touching that', just because I think, when we think of Donatella, you think, 'Oh, she's so flamboyant, she's a bit of a caricature', but then I read the script and I just thought, it's really a family drama at the end of the day and I found it so compelling, her story, I almost wish it hadn't been her. I was like, 'I'll play this no matter what', because I love the rise and fall and rise."
Lady Gaga is also paying tribute to Donatella with a new song from her upcoming ARTPOP album that's named after the fashion icon.
"It's about being a fearless female and not caring what people say about you — being proud of who you are and walking the walk no matter what," Gaga told Just Jared of the ode to Donatella.
House of Versace, which also stars Raquel Welch, airs Saturday night at 8 ET.
