Exclusive: Dario Vitale to Succeed Donatella Versace as Chief Creative Officer of Versace – The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.Miu Miu’s former design and image director Dario Vitale has been appointed chief creative officer of Versace, succeeding the iconic Italian designer Donatella Versace, BoF can exclusively confirm. Vitale, who left his post at Prada-owned Miu Miu in January, will step into his new position at the beginning of April. After three decades at the creative helm, Donatella Versace, 69, will continue to be an advocate for the brand started by late brother Gianni in 1978, taking on the role of “chief brand ambassador.”“It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy,” Donatella Versace said in a statement, adding that she was “excited to see Versace through new eyes.” In her new role, she will focus on supporting the brand’s philanthropic and charitable endeavours including the Versace Foundation. The change comes as Miu Miu-owner Prada Group is reportedly inching closer to buying Versace from Capri Holdings in a $1.5 billion deal, which could see Vitale returning to the Prada fold. The American group — still reeling after an $8.5 billion deal to merge with Coach-owner Tapestry was blocked by the US Federal Trade Commission last year — has been re-evaluating its portfolio, which also includes Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.ADVERTISEMENTVersace’s brand has long been bigger than its business. Following its 2018 acquisition by Capri, the group aimed to grow the Italian label, known globally for its maximalist prints and Medusa logo, into a $2 billion brand. But sales have languished at a little over $1 billion and contracted last year. By contrast, Miu Miu — where Vitale oversaw both brand image and collections — has been one of fashion’s hottest success stories, growing retail sales by an eye-popping 84 percent last quarter, far outpacing the wider luxury market.“Vitale is a rare talent, who deeply respects the essence and values of Versace and clearly understands its growth potential,” Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger said. “We are convinced that his experience and vision will bring a new perspective to the brand.”Prada’s ‘little sister’ brand is seeking a soft landing after a period of explosive growth. In addition to chief executive Benedetta Petruzzo’s exit, design director Dario Vitale has recently left the brand. How did Miu Miu grow by 58 percent last year? CEO Benedetta Petruzzo breaks down the plan that’s powered eye-popping acceleration in a slowing luxury market.Sarah Kent is Chief Sustainability Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in London and drives BoF’s coverage of critical environmental and labour issues.© 2025 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & ConditionsThe era-defining Balenciaga designer will take the reins of Italy’s biggest luxury brand in a surprise shakeup of parent company Kering’s creative ranks. The French group is under pressure to turn around performance after profits tumbled 46 percent last year.The Italian brand’s current chief Damien Bertrand will become deputy CEO at Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Fendi’s CEO Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou will move to Dior.The bridalwear designer is expanding his lifestyle brand with new product lines, including jewellery, beauty, and home decor, as modern brides shift toward more understated designs.Industry interest in Bellotti surged following a series of stand-out shows for Bally. The designer is replacing Lucie and Luke Meier, who parted ways with Jil Sander in February. The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.Our newsletters may include 3rd-party advertising, by subscribing you agree to the Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.
