After much speculation and almost three decades at Versace’s helm, Donatella Versace announced that she is stepping down as creative director. The revelation came on Thursday, March 13, 2025, immediately following the release of her latest Fall/Winter Ready-to-Wear collection showcased at Milan Fashion Week. For the first time in the brand's 47-year history, Versace will now be led by a designer not from the Versace family.
Dario Vitale, the former design director for Miu Miu, will take over as chief creative officer in April 2025. Donatella expressed her unwavering support for the brand, stating, “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.” This shift marks a significant transition for the iconic fashion house founded by her brother Gianni Versace.
As she transitions from the lead creative role, many are left wondering about the future of Versace under Vitale’s leadership and how the ongoing discussions regarding its acquisition by Prada Group will influence the brand. Speculation has been rife regarding a possible sale of Versace, currently owned by Capri Holdings, especially given Vitale's previous ties to Miu Miu, a sister brand under Prada.
In light of the announcement, it's noteworthy that the Prada Group recently reported a solid upward trajectory, with retail sales up 4% year-on-year in March 2025, and Miu Miu experiencing an extraordinary retail growth of 93% year-on-year. This context adds weight to the speculation surrounding Versace's future direction.
Gianni Versace set the stage for his family's legacy as he moved to Milan in 1972, launching the first collection with the help of the Girombelli family in 1978. By establishing his first boutique on Via della Spiga, he laid the foundation for what would become an internationally renowned brand characterized by its blend of sexiness and luxury. The Medusa logo, a powerful representation of femininity from Greek mythology, became emblematic of the brand.
Gianni was a pioneer of his time, shaping fashion trends and challenging norms, famously mixing high fashion with pop culture. His influence included forming what we now recognize as the concept of the supermodel, displaying the same models in both advertising campaigns and runway shows. His tragic death on July 15, 1997, ignited an immediate transition for the brand as Santo Versace took over as CEO and Donatella, who had been leading the diffusion line Versus since 1989, assumed the role of head designer.
Donatella quickly rose to the challenge, unveiling the Spring/Summer 1998 collection just three months after Gianni's passing. This show not only commemorated her brother’s legacy but reinvigorated the brand during a time of mourning. Donatella’s debut haute couture collection took place a year and three days later at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, setting a new standard for the brand.
Over nearly three decades, she crafted over 80 collections that embodied luxury and Italian craftsmanship. Her designs often harmonized classical elements with modern interpretations, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Arguably, one of her most iconic pieces was the jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards—a moment that became deeply embedded in the narrative of fashion history and even prompted the creation of Google Image Search due to the overwhelming online searches for it.
During her tenure, Donatella’ refined the Versace aesthetic, emphasizing striking silhouettes characterized by daring cutouts, shimmering fabrics, and embellishments like sequins and crystals. She paid homage to Gianni by reintroducing his signature black and gold baroque prints in her collections, highlighting the enduring influence of her brother on the brand.
Versace's presence at notable events such as the Met Gala exemplified Donatella's unwavering commitment to creating memorable fashion moments. The 2018 Met Gala was particularly noteworthy, featuring offerings such as a stunning crimson ball gown worn by Blake Lively, alongside Gigi Hadid and Zendaya showcasing their own eye-catching Versace designs anchored in rich, dramatic themes.
As Donatella bids farewell to her formal leadership role, her legacy is more than evident in the brand's deep-rooted essence—its audacious confidence, sensuality, and artistic mastery. The Spring 2023 collection encapsulated these traits, merging gothic aesthetics with romantic femininity.
Dario Vitale steps into the role during a pivotal framework for the brand, as the Prada acquisition looms closer. Graduating from Istituto Marangoni in 2006, his experience at esteemed Italian houses—including Bottega Veneta—has prepared him for this key position, yet the transition represents a significant shift in the company culture of Versace.
While industry insiders hold their breath to see how the Prada Group's prospective acquisition unfolds, the industry is keeping a close watch on Dario Vitale’s leadership style and the potential evolution of the Versace brand.
As the reins pass to Vitale, the past continues to echo, with Donatella remaining a passionate advocate for the fashion house, promising that the heritage and spirit of Versace will resonate through the future designs. For now, the brand prepares to embrace new challenges, carrying forward the legacy of its creators with the same flair and energy that has defined Versace for nearly five decades.
