Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director After Three Decades

Donatella Versace announced her resignation as the creative director of Versace, a position she held for nearly 30 years since the tragic passing of her brother Gianni. Her departure comes with plans for Dario Vitale to take over, amidst speculation of a potential acquisition of the brand by the Prada Group.

In a significant turn for the iconic fashion house Versace, Donatella Versace has announced her decision to step down as creative director after an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades. Assuming the role in 1997 after the tragic murder of her brother Gianni, Donatella has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand, from fashion campaigns to designing hotels and cars.

As of now, Dario Vitale, a former design director for Miu Miu, will take over leadership as part of a "thoughtful succession plan." In light of this transition, Donatella has expressed her dedication to supporting Versace's philanthropic efforts, while also transitioning into a brand ambassador role. Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace, lauded her contributions and commended Vitale's exceptional design capabilities.

On social media, Donatella shared a heartfelt message, stating, "It was the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy." She continued, emphasizing that fostering the next generation of designers has always been her passion, and expressed excitement at seeing the brand through fresh perspectives with Vitale at the helm.

Renowned for her vibrant aesthetic and platinum blonde locks, Donatella has been a fashion icon in her own right, dressing luminaries such as Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. Her bold design choices, including the famous jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez in 2000, have solidified her legacy in the fashion landscape.

Founded in Milan in 1978 by Donatella and her siblings Santo and Gianni, Versace has undergone substantial changes since being sold to the Michael Kors group in 2018, which was subsequently integrated into Capri Holdings in 2019. The brand now represents 20% of Capri's projected revenue for 2024, showcasing its significant impact on the fashion industry.