The Latin American Fashion Awards just upped the ante: Donatella Versace has taken the helm as president of the jury for the second edition, taking place November 6-9 in the Dominican Republic.

“I have always championed the next generation of design talent,” said Versace. “It has never been more important to support and encourage our global creative community, and I am honored to be President of [the Jury for] the Latin American Fashion Awards.”

Versace’s decision stands as a significant endorsement for Latin American creatives on the global stage, a statement that recognizes the region’s growing influence and the transformative power of its culture. Her work has continually pushed boundaries, embraced inclusivity, and inspired generations of designers across the world, and her support of young designers, with Anthony Vaccarello, Christopher Kane and JW Anderson all collaborating with her to co-design Versus, is remarkable.

In 2023, Versace spoke at the Los Angeles LGBT Center in celebration of the CFDA scholarship created in partnership with the Versace Foundation in support of LGBTQ+ students.

Versace, who is this year’s recipient of the Positive Change Award at the CFDA Fashion Awards Presented by Amazon Fashion, will preside over a distinguished jury which includes Nina Garcia of Elle, Imran Amed of The Business of Fashion, President of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Carlos Capasa, CFDA member Gabriela Hearst, Karla Martinez de Salas of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, and CFDA CEO and President Steven Kolb, among other global industry figures.