After nearly three decades at the helm, Donatella Versace has officially stepped down as the creative director of Versace. Marking the end of one of fashion’s most defining eras, she will now serve as the brand’s global ambassador, ensuring her presence remains deeply intertwined with the house she has shaped.
Donatella, 69, took the reins of Versace in 1997 following the tragic murder of her brother, Gianni Versace. Under her leadership, the brand not only expanded its global reach but also remained true to its signature aesthetic—bold, glamorous, and unapologetically sexy. Her vision transformed Versace into a powerhouse synonymous with high-octane fashion, celebrity dressing, and cultural impact.
The designer confirmed her departure on Instagram on March 12, announcing that Dario Vitale will take over as Chief Creative Officer starting April 1, 2025. “Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” Donatella wrote. “I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace who I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades.”
Reflecting on her tenure, she continued, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”
Dario Vitale, though not widely known to the public before this appointment, has had an impressive career in the fashion industry. In a statement shared on Versace’s Instagram Stories, he expressed his gratitude: “The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise, and dedication.”
Versace has always been more than just a brand—it has been a cultural phenomenon. Under Gianni, it was synonymous with “flashion,” ostentatious glamour, and star-studded front rows. But Donatella, with her ability to narrate stories through clothes, became just as inseparable from the brand’s identity. One of the few female creative directors leading a major fashion house, Donatella was not just the force behind Versace—she embodied it.
As for Vitale, his industry experience speaks volumes. A graduate of Milan’s Istituto Marangoni in 2006, he began his career at Dsquared2 before moving to Bottega Veneta. However, it was at Miu Miu—where he spent nearly 15 years working under Miuccia Prada and alongside Fabio Zambernardi—that he truly honed his craft. During his tenure, Miu Miu ascended to new heights, culminating in a staggering 93% increase in retail sales in 2024. Though he maintained a relatively low profile, his contributions were well recognized within the industry, with rumors of a potential move to Gucci or Bottega Veneta swirling before his appointment at Versace.
Vitale’s design pedigree, steeped in Miu Miu’s offbeat whimsy and eclecticism, stands in contrast to Versace’s bold, maximalist Italian glamour. This dichotomy has left many fashion fans intrigued—how will he merge his avant-garde sensibilities with Versace’s opulent aesthetic? Given his track record, it is likely that we will see a fresh evolution of the brand, with an emphasis on viral, trend-defining moments and a possible shift in the roster of stars associated with Versace.
Miu Miu under Vitale
While Donatella’s departure marks the end of an era, it also signals a new chapter for the house of Versace. With Vitale at the creative helm, the brand is poised to embrace innovation while preserving its rich legacy. Fashion enthusiasts will be eagerly watching to see how this transition unfolds.
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