After a groundbreaking 25-year tenure, Donatella Versace is stepping down as Creative Director of Versace, marking the end of an era for the legendary Italian fashion house.
Since taking over after her brother Gianni Versace’s tragic passing in 1997, Donatella has been the creative force behind the brand’s evolution, blending bold glamour with modern edge while keeping the Versace legacy alive.
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The platinum-blonde icon of Italian fashion, who turns 70 in May, will be succeeded by Dario Vitale, Miu Miu’s design director. Industry insiders speculate that this transition could pave the way for a potential acquisition of Versace by Prada, Miu Miu’s parent company. Vitale, a respected yet relatively low-profile designer, has played a key role in Miu Miu’s soaring sales and will now lead Versace into a new era as its chief creative officer.
Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, the brand has long been synonymous with opulence, jet-set glamour, and its iconic Medusa logo. While Versace has experienced highs and lows over the decades, its signature aesthetic—daring, skin-baring, and unapologetically bold—has always been shaped by a Versace.
Though stepping down from her creative role, Donatella won’t be leaving the brand entirely. Beginning April 1, she will take on a new position as Versace’s chief brand ambassador—the same day Vitale officially assumes creative control. As the fashion house embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how Vitale reinterprets the legacy of one of fashion’s most iconic labels.
