- Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director of Versace after 28 years.
- Dario Vitale, the former design director of Miu Miu, is set to take over her role in April.
- Versace has faced challenges with declining revenue and a prospective acquisition by Prada.
Donatella Versace is stepping down as the chief creative officer of Versace after running the fashion house for nearly 30 years.
On Thursday, Capri Holdings, which owns Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors, said she would transition in April to the role of chief brand ambassador of Versace.
It will be the first time in the brand’s history that a non-family member leads its creative vision.
Dario Vitale, the former design director of Miu Miu, is set to take her position at the Italian fashion house.
Dario Vitale is taking over as creative director of Versace
Born in 1983 near Naples, Italy, Vitale graduated from Istituto Marangoni in 2006 and worked with Dsquared2 for a year, followed by Bottega Veneta, Vogue reported.
He joined Miu Miu in 2010 as a fashion designer and became the ready-to-wear design director. His departure from the brand was announced in January.
Miu Miu saw impressive growth with Vitale’s help as revenue grew by 97.3% last year. It’s consistently been named a top brand in recent years, becoming a major trendsetter in everything from ballet flats to underwear as outerwear and the viral micro-miniskirt.
Miu Miu has also been a major factor in helping its parent company, Prada, avoid the luxury slump.
Vitale has remained relatively under the radar compared with his Versace predecessor, having confirmed his latest career move in the bio of his Instagram account, which has zero posts.
On Thursday, Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger said, “Vitale is a rare talent who deeply respects the essences and values of Versace,” adding: “His experience and vision will bring a new perspective to the brand.”
Addressing his new role, Vitale said: “I am truly honored to join Versace as the Chief Creative Officer and be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury House created by Gianni and Donatella. The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion.”
He added: “It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise, and dedication.”
Donatella Versace’s legacy
Donatella Versace took over as creative director after her brother Gianni Versace, who founded the fashion house in 1978, died in 1997. In his will, he left his sister a 20% stake in the company.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
In her new role as chief brand ambassador, she said she would “remain Versace’s most passionate supporter,” adding: “Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”
The designer also confirmed the news on Instagram, posting a montage of iconic Versace moments, which she captioned, “I hope I’ve made you proud so far.”
The brand is known for its maximalist style, vibrant prints, and, of course, Jennifer Lopez’s “jungle dress,” which was so iconic that it inspired the creation of Google Images.
“Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace,” Gintzburger said in his statement on Thursday.
She expanded the fashion house into a globally recognized brand, which was acquired by Capri Holdings in 2018 for about $2.12 billion.
In 2023, Tapestry, which owns Coach and Kate Spade, announced it would acquire Capri Holdings for $8.5 billion, but the Federal Trade Commission blocked the merger in 2024.
Versace has continued to struggle with sales. In February, the brand’s revenue had dropped 15% compared with the previous year. The CEO of Capri Holdings, John Idol, cited its move toward quiet luxury and fewer entry-level-priced goods as reasons for the dip.
Now, Donatella Versace’s departure comes amid reports that Prada could buy Versace from Capri Holdings for $1.6 billion.
