Donatella Versace is applauding her longtime friends George Clooney and Amal Clooney for their “true good” work as they hosted the 2025 Albies in London, calling the event one of the most inspiring nights of her year.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the fashion icon reflected on attending The Clooney Foundation For Justice‘s The Albies — an annual event honoring courageous defenders of justice — and praised the couple for their advocacy.

“The Albie’s is really one of the great highlights of my year,” she tells PEOPLE. “I am always so humbled and inspired to hear the incredible stories of the real heroes of our world. This year was extraordinary with awards given to Melinda French GatesFatou Baldeh, Marty Baron, Darren Walker and the truly amazing Jose Ruben Zamora, who is in prison still for standing up to freedom of speech, but whose son was incredibly moving when he spoke about his father.  Our world is a better place to have these people in it.”

The Italian designer, who recently stepped down as Versace’s creative director after nearly three decades to become its global ambassador, says she continues to be inspired by people who use their influence to help others.

“I am always inspired by people who use that platform for true good and to change the world. My great friends Amal and George Clooney are one of the finest examples of that,” she continues. “They fight, they fight and they fight some more for justice in our world and the protection of the truth speakers. I am honored that Versace supports this event for a Foundation does such important work.”

Held at London’s Natural History Museum on Oct. 3, The Albies brought together global leaders, activists and Hollywood stars for a night of purpose and glamour. Named for South African anti-apartheid hero Justice Albie Sachsthe awards “shine a protective spotlight on brave individuals and groups from around the globe who, at great personal risk, have devoted their lives to fighting for justice,” according to the foundation.

Among this year’s honorees were Gambian women’s rights activist Fatou Baldeh, Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora, former Washington Post editor Marty Baron, philanthropist Melinda French Gates and lifetime achievement recipient Darren Walker.

George, 64, and Amal, 47, hosted the evening, with the human rights lawyer dazzling in a chocolate brown Atelier Versace gown designed by Dario Vitale — who succeeded Versace as the brand’s chief creative officer in April.

“Of course, everyone looks so glamorous on the night, and I loved Amal’s beautiful chocolate brown dress – it is such a classic Versace silhouette – but really the clothes are secondary to the cause,” Versace tells PEOPLE. “I was so blown away by Meryl Streep giving a spontaneous donation of £1 million ($1.3 million) on the night. But that is what George and Amal inspire us to do. To be our best selves in the defence of the bravest people in the world.”

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The event also marked a new chapter for Versace herself. After nearly 30 years leading Versace — the brand her late brother Gianni founded — she officially passed the creative torch earlier this year to Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu. As global ambassador, she now represents the house she helped shape into a symbol of glamour, power and confidence.