Donatella Versace, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Rome
  • Last updated on

Italian fashion icon among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a top source, Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the fashion designer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 05/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Versace for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 70-year-old fashion designer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Versace so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the fashion designer have already been named ‘Italian Of The Year’ by some major Italian newspapers and even ‘Reggio di Calabria Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Reggio di Calabria (Donatella Versace's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the fashion designer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Donatella Versace Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 4 Feb 2026
“Congrats! Donatella has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 4 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Donatella Versace?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 4 Feb 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Donatella Versace?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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