Donatella Versace will resign as the creative director of Versace after nearly 30 years, taking on a brand ambassador role and handing the creative reins to Dario Vitale. This transition coincides with speculation around a possible acquisition of Versace by the Prada Group.
Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director After Three Decades
Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director After Three Decades
The iconic designer announces her departure, passing the reins to Dario Vitale as part of a strategic succession plan amidst potential buyout talks.
After a remarkable tenure spanning almost three decades, Donatella Versace has officially announced her resignation as the creative director of the legendary fashion house Versace. Taking over the role in 1997 following the tragic murder of her brother Gianni, Donatella has become synonymous with the brand, overseeing countless fashion campaigns and expansions into realms like hotels and automobile design.
The Italian label, which was initially founded in 1978 by Donatella and her brothers Santo and Gianni, has thrived under her leadership, but she will now step aside for Dario Vitale, a former design director at Miu Miu. Vitale is seen as a strong design leader, and his appointment is part of a carefully orchestrated succession plan, as stated by Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace.
Donatella has expressed her intent to transition to a brand ambassador role, focusing on philanthropy and continuing her advocacy for Versace on a global scale. In a heartfelt message to her 12 million Instagram followers, she reflected on her journey, stating, "It was the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy," while also expressing excitement for the brand's future under new leadership.
The designer is known for her vibrant fashion statements, having dressed numerous international stars including Madonna and Beyoncé. Notably, Donatella created the iconic green jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez and styled Michelle Obama for her final state dinner in 2016.
Versace, which sold to the Michael Kors group in 2018 and became part of Capri Holdings a year later, plays a crucial role in Capri's financial health, contributing significantly to its anticipated revenue for 2024. The announcement of Donatella's departure also arises amid rumors of the Prada Group's interest in acquiring Versace, indicating a transformative period ahead for the storied fashion label.
