A Fashion Dynasty Evolves: Donatella Versace Passes the Baton
After nearly three decades at the helm of the iconic Italian house, Donatella Versace is stepping down from the creative direction of the brand she helped elevate to the pinnacle of luxury. Starting April 1, Dario Vitale will take over the role, marking a historic transition for the fashion house founded in 1978 by Gianni and Santo Versace.
Since the passing of her brother Gianni in 1997, Donatella has been instrumental in shaping the brand, seamlessly blending luxury with street-style influences and a deep understanding of pop culture. Her leadership has extended beyond design, making her one of fashion’s most influential figures, not only for her impact on the industry but also for her strong presence on social media. Moving forward, she will take on a new role as the brand’s ambassador.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Versace. In 2018, the brand was acquired by Capri Holdings in a $2.1 billion deal. Currently, Prada Group is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Capri, a move that could redefine Versace’s strategic future.
Beyond prêt-à-porter and haute couture, Donatella has been the driving force behind Versace’s expansion into lifestyle categories, overseeing its successful Versace Home line, as well as jewelry, watches, fragrances, interior design, and the development of Palazzo Versace hotels in Australia, Dubai, and Macau.
With Dario Vitale now at the helm, the house enters a new chapter—one that preserves its signature glamour and boldness while embracing a fresh vision. The fashion industry watches closely as Versace embarks on this next phase, eager to see what the future holds.
