In the world of luxury fashion, few names boast a legacy as profound as Versace. The Italian fashion empire, known for its unapologetic luxury, bold designs and sensual allure, is undergoing a transformative shift when it comes to the masterminds behind the scenes. Donatella Versace steps down as creative director, welcoming Dario Vitale to take on the reigns for the brands future.
The announcement of Vitale’s appointment is monumental, marking the first time in 47 years that the brand will be led by someone outside of the Versace family. After a 28-year reign as creative director, Donatella has transformed the brand into a symbol of more than just fabric; she has championed empowerment for women and LGBTQ+ communities in the fashion industry, allowing her to curate high-profile campaigns featuring an array of pop stars and supermodels, including Beyoncé and Madonna.
This has left a bittersweet feeling in the world of fashion, with notable industry icons like Gigi Hadid, who has walked countless Versace runways, showcasing the brands incomparable designs. In a recent Instagram post, Hadid honoured Donatella, stating “Working with Versace in the era of Donatella will forever be one of the greatest highlights of my career.” Homage to Donatella continues to pour in from numerous fashion icons including Rita Ora, who recently shared how Donatella played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of fashion. Ora expressed that Donatella helped her “understand fashion” and “express her female power” through style.
Whilst great sadness has accompanied Donatella’s departure, the woman herself has expressed her excitement for the brand’s new creative director Dario Vitale. In an Instagram post, she shared that she is “thrilled” Vitale is joining the team and is “excited to see Versace through new eyes.” Vitale, 41, is a rising star in the fashion world, known for his work at Miu Miu, where he helped shape the brand’s ready-to-wear collections. Vitale expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I am truly honoured to join Versace as the chief creative officer and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury house.”
All is not at a loss as Donatella will remain in the company, taking on the role of chief brand ambassador. With Donatella’s continued presence and support, Vitale has the opportunity to reshape the house while staying true to its roots. As Donatella put it, “Versace needs to mean change. And it needs to be an opportunity for others to express themselves.” With this in mind, Vitale’s vision for Versace promises to bring exciting new possibilities for the iconic house.
Written By: Harriet Neville
Published: 18th March 2025