The Era of Donatella Versace Has Come to an End

Donatella Versace is stepping down as the creative director of Versace.

Donatella Versace is stepping down as the creative director of Versace. She has led the fashion house for 27 years, a brand founded by her brothers Gianni and Santo in 1978. From now on, Donatella will take on the role of the brand’s chief ambassador.

The new creative director of Versace is Dario Vitale. This marks a historic moment for the brand, as for the first time in 47 years, collections will be created without the oversight of either Gianni or Donatella Versace.

"For me, it has always been important to support young designers. I am delighted that Dario Vitale is joining Versace, and I look forward to seeing the brand through his eyes. I want to thank my incredible team of designers and all the employees I have had the joy of working with for over three decades. The greatest honor of my life has been to continue my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was a true genius, but I hope I inherited a part of his spirit and perseverance. In my new role as brand ambassador, I remain Versace’s most devoted supporter. This brand is part of my DNA, and it will forever be in my heart," said Donatella Versace.

"It is a great honor for me to join Versace as creative director and to become part of this unique, influential fashion house created by Gianni and Donatella. It has a rich heritage and has shaped fashion history for decades. I am deeply grateful to Donatella for her trust in me and her dedication to the brand. It is a privilege for me to work on the future of Versace and to strengthen its influence through my vision, experience, and commitment," said Vitale.

Who is Dario Vitale?

The 41-year-old Dario Vitale is one of Milan’s most promising designers. He graduated from the renowned fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni in 2006 and worked at Dsquared2 before joining Bottega Veneta under the leadership of Tomas Maier. In 2010, he moved to Miu Miu, where he gradually rose to the position of director of ready-to-wear design and was responsible for the brand’s visual identity. In January 2025, he left the Prada Group and is now leading Versace.

The History of Versace

The appointment of a new creative director marks the end of an entire era. Gianni Versace, a native of Reggio Calabria, worked for fashion houses Callaghan and Genny before founding Versace in 1978 with his brother Santo, who became the company’s CEO. Donatella had been part of the brand from the very beginning—not only as a designer but also as a muse. After Gianni Versace was murdered in 1997, his 11-year-old niece, Allegra Versace Beck, inherited 50% of the company, while Santo received 30%, and Donatella 20%. She became the brand’s creative director.

The early years were challenging: the company struggled with debt, and Donatella herself battled addiction, eventually seeking treatment at a rehabilitation center.

In the early 2010s, Versace regained its standing in the fashion industry. Donatella Versace became not only a leading designer but also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She initiated the brand’s move away from using fur and transformed into a pop culture icon.

One of Donatella’s most famous works was the Spring-Summer 2018 collection, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Gianni’s passing. The runway featured legendary supermodels Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Helena Christensen, all dressed in golden chainmail dresses.