The designer shuffle continues. Following the departure of Jonathan Anderson from Loewe, and Gucci's design chief, Sabato De Sarno, earlier this year, another announcement shakes up the fashion world: Donatella Versace is stepping down as the artistic director of the luxury brand she has led since 1997, as announced by the fashion label's owner, Capri Holdings Limited. Taking over is Dario Vitale from Miu Miu (part of the Prada group).
However, Donatella will not completely disengage from the fashion house founded by her late brother Gianni. Starting April 1, 2025, the same day Vitale takes over creatively, the designer will assume the role of chief brand ambassador after nearly three decades of shaping the brand's path since Gianni Versace was murdered in Miami. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to continue my brother's legacy," the designer stated. "He was the true genius, but I hope to have some of his spirit and tenacity." Stepping back, the designer expresses being "delighted" for Dario Vitale to join the brand and "excited to see Versace through new eyes."
However, Donatella's departure comes at a challenging time for Versace, a group that has reported losses in the last three quarters. In the latest fiscal year, it saw a 6.6% revenue decline, with forecasts for 2025 indicating further sales drops.
Therefore, the recent developments come amid unconfirmed reports of a possible agreement between both business groups, Capri and Prada, for the latter to acquire Versace for 1.5 billion euros. Versace was previously purchased in 2018 by the American group Michael Kors, now known as Capri Holdings, for 1.8 billion euros, of which the Versace family received 150 million in Capri shares.
Since taking the helm at Versace, Donatella has given the brand a bold and provocative aesthetic, easily recognizable. A sexy and somewhat hippie style perfectly reflected in her Spring-Summer 2025 collection: flowers, vibrant colors, sequin sparkles resembling large tiles, cheerful prints mixed with even more cheerful ones... For this season, the designer has advocated for an elevated aesthetic reminiscent of the summer of love, in a line exuding joy, positivity, and absolute freedom. Donatella has always been known for her total freedom in patterns and combinations.
Donatella Versace has been a master at redefining sexy, with knee-length pencil skirts or lightweight fabrics, sparkles, or cowboy-style jackets, playing with lengths -mini (shorts) versus masculine shirts- and textures, where a suede pencil skirt is paired with an unexpected sequin top... The Italian designer has always sought individual freedom in play and fun. This is even more evident when looking at the accessories presented this season, from red stockings completely out of context with the press and footwear to every single handbag the models wore: large, small, vibrant colors, with charms, in curious mini-pouch shapes, and yes, even a perfume bag replicating the shape of one of the house's iconic fragrances. Because life is a dream, and fashion is a game.
Until the end of January, the former Design and Image Director of Miu Miu, the most youthful brand of the Prada group, where he took over from Fabio Zambernardi, Dario Vitale has been recognized for his work and the good results achieved at the label. In 2023, the brand saw a 58% increase in revenue, reaching 649 million euros. These numbers have continued to rise: in the first nine months of 2024, sales reached 854 million euros, a 97.3% increase. Not only has his leadership brought profits, but since he took over Miu Miu, the brand has climbed the ranks in the Lyst Index, which gathers the most popular fashion brands.
The designer, originally from the Amalfi Coast, has been living in Milan since 2000, the city where he moved to study fashion. Little is known about his private life: he loves green, riding bicycles, and walking his dogs.