Versace Enters New Era: Donatella Steps Down, Dario Vitale Takes Creative Reins

Donatella Versace, the iconic creative director of the Italian fashion house Versace, is stepping down after nearly 30 years at the helm. She will be succeeded by Dario Vitale, who has been leading the design direction at Miu Miu since 2023.

This transition marks a significant shift for Versace, as it ends the family’s control over the brand’s creative direction for the first time in its 47-year history.

Donatella will transition into the role of Chief Brand Ambassador, focusing on philanthropic and charitable initiatives while continuing to represent Versace globally.

Vitale, known for his work at Miu Miu, will take over as Chief Creative Officer of Versace.

Capri Holdings Limited, the owner of Versace, sees his appointment as part of a thoughtful succession plan. Vitale, born in 1983 near Naples, Italy, studied fashion design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan.

He began his career at Dsquared2 and later worked at Bottega Veneta before joining Miu Miu in 2010.

This change comes amid rumours that Prada is in talks to acquire Versace from Capri Holdings, which purchased the brand in 2018 for approximately €1.83 billion.

With Dario Vitale at the helm, Versace is poised to enter a new era of creativity and growth. Vitale’s experience at Miu Miu, where he contributed to a significant increase in sales, positions him well to lead Versace into its next chapter.

His first collection for Versace is expected to debut during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025.