Donatella Versace out at Versace

Donatella Versace will soon step aside from her role as creative director of the iconic Italian fashion house founded by her late brother, Gianni Versace. In an announcement on Thursday, the label’s U.S. owner, Capri Holdings, revealed that Donatella will transition into the newly established position of chief brand ambassador, effective next month. This move marks a significant change for the brand, which Donatella has steered creatively since shortly after Gianni’s untimely death in 1997.

Taking over her former role is Dario Vitale, a 41-year-old designer most recently serving as design director at Miu Miu, part of the Prada Group. Vitale’s appointment becomes official on April 1, positioning him at the helm of Versace’s design direction moving forward. In a statement, Donatella, 69, enthusiastically welcomed Vitale to the prestigious label, noting that “championing the next generation of designers has always been important” to her. Vitale reciprocated the warmth, expressing gratitude for her trust and highlighting his admiration for Versace’s bold design heritage.

Donatella’s new position reflects her ongoing influence and legacy. As chief brand ambassador, she will focus on maintaining the Versace spirit, fostering cultural collaborations, and expanding global engagement while Vitale leads the day-to-day creative operations. Observers believe this strategic shift may signify a broader industry trend of iconic houses tapping younger talent to keep their aesthetic current, while still retaining longstanding leadership in influential roles.

Under Donatella’s tenure, Versace has remained synonymous with daring, glamorous designs and a sense of rock-star luxury. She has successfully introduced new lines, staged unforgettable runway shows, and ensured the brand’s relevance through celebrity partnerships and social media-savvy campaigns. Now, with Vitale at the creative helm and Donatella in a prominent ambassadorial role, the world will be watching closely to see how Versace evolves while preserving the passion and flair that first catapulted it to global fame.