‘House of Versace’ First Look: Gina Gershon Transforms Into Donatella Versace (Photo)

Gina Gershon is going all out to play Donatella Versace.

In a first look image from Lifetime’s upcoming House of Versace original movie, the Killer Joe (and Bound) actress transforms into the iconic designer.

The telepic is based on Wall Street Journal reporter Deborah Ball‘s book House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival and centers on Donatella (Gershon), who after her brother’s slaying is thrust into the spotlight as head designer of his fashion empire. At first ridiculed by critics worldwide, Donatella falls victim to drug addiction and nearly bankrupts the company. With the help of her family, including daughter Allegra, Aunt Lucia (Raquel Welch) and brother Santo (Colm Feore), she enters rehab to confront her demons and soon comes back stronger than ever to reignite the beloved Versace brand with her own vision and build one of the most powerful and influential fashion houses ever known.

STORY: Gina Gershon, Raquel Welch, Enrico Colantoni to Star in Lifetime’s Donatella Versace Movie (Exclusive)

The movie will premiere Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. and be followed at 10 p.m. by the documentary Versace: Beyond the Headlines. The hourlong doc offers a look at Gianni Versace‘s start in the fashion business and his rise to oversee a multimillion-dollar empire that continues to thrive even after his death. The special will include interviews with those who knew him, as well as designers and a police detective and criminologist who offer their take on his 1997 slaying. The doc is produced by CBS Eye Productions.

Check out Gershon as Donatella (above) and hit the comments with your thoughts. Will you watch?

E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit

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Gina Gershon, Raquel Welch, Enrico Colantoni to Star in Lifetime's Donatella Versace Movie (Exclusive)