Donatella Versace, a name synonymous with luxury fashion, is stepping down from her position as creative director of the iconic Italian brand Versace, a role she has held since 1997 following the tragic death of her brother, Gianni. At 69, she will transition to a new role as brand ambassador while Dario Vitale, a former design director at Miu Miu, takes over the creative helm.
The move comes as discussions arise of a potential acquisition of Versace by the Prada Group, shifting away from the Capri Holdings owner, who acquired the brand for €2 billion (£1.67 billion) in 2018. In an official statement, Capri Holdings emphasized that this leadership change is part of a "thoughtful succession plan," lauding Vitale's design prowess and potential to drive Versace's future growth.
Sharing her heartfelt sentiments on Instagram, Versace reflected on her journey, stating it was "the greatest honour of my life" to uphold her brother's legacy, while expressing excitement for the new perspectives Vitale will bring to the brand. Throughout her career, she has dressed a multitude of celebrities, including Madonna and Beyoncé, and created memorable pieces such as Jennifer Lopez's famous green jungle dress.
Founded in 1978, Versace has become a beacon of vibrant style and cinematic flair under Donatella's guidance and is projected to represent a substantial portion of Capri's upcoming revenues. As she steps into this new chapter, the fashion community eagerly anticipates the continued evolution of the Versace brand.
