Dario Vitale Takes The Reins For The Legendary Label
Donatella Versace, the younger sister of founder Gianni Versace and the creative force who guided the company after his murder in 1997, is stepping down from her role as Chief Creative Officer of Versace. She will transition to chief brand ambassador, focusing on philanthropic work and red-carpet appearances. Dario Vitale, formerly the design and image director of Miu Miu, will become the label’s new head of design.
The announcement came on Thursday via Capri Holdings, the conglomerate that owns Versace alongside Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. Chief executive officer John D. Idol referred to the move as “part of a thoughtful succession plan.” The decision follows reports that Capri has been contemplating selling Versace after a blocked merger attempt with Tapestry. Prada reportedly holds an exclusive opportunity to review Versace’s financial details.
Ms. Versace, 69, has been synonymous with the Italian fashion house despite originally having no formal training. She assumed creative control after her brother’s death. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy,” she said, adding, “He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity.”
Her tenure included iconic fashion moments, such as the plunging jungle-print gown worn by Jennifer Lopez to the 2000 Grammys, which famously led to the creation of Google Images. She has also been an outspoken supporter of L.G.B.T.Q. rights, becoming a globally recognized figure with more than 12 million Instagram followers. Capri bought Versace for $2.1 billion in 2018, but sales have since slid, prompting speculation about a possible change in ownership.
Emmanuel Gintzburger, Versace’s chief executive, credited Ms. Versace for “what it is today.” Now, her successor Mr. Vitale steps in after two years at Miu Miu, where he helped fuel record growth for the brand. “I’m privileged to follow in her footsteps and thankful for her trust,” he said. Prada’s potential interest in acquiring Versace may be buoyed by Mr. Vitale’s history with Miu Miu’s parent company.
Dario Vitale, who hails from the area near Naples and was born in 1983, launched his career at Bottega Veneta shortly after completing Istituto Marangoni in 2006, spending a brief stint at Dsquared2. He then moved to Miu Miu in July 2010, where he rose from a fashion designer role to overseeing both ready-to-wear design and broader brand imagery. During his 14-year tenure, Vitale worked under Miuccia Prada’s direction and collaborated with Fabio Zambernardi, who directed design for both Prada and Miu Miu until departing in September 2023. When word spread about Vitale leaving Miu Miu in January, speculation began linking him to possible design roles at Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and other prominent luxury houses.
Looking ahead, Ms. Versace will remain closely connected to the house she helped to sustain. “Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart,” she said, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the brand’s legacy.