At Versace, a changing of the guard.

After nearly 30 years at the helm of Versace, today Donatella Versace has announced her role is changing at the house.

Dario Vitale, Miu Miu’s former design and image director, will succeed Donatella as Versace’s chief creative officer. Donatella will now be Versace’s chief brand ambassador.

In a statement, Donatella wrote: “Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades.”

Vitale, who was integral to Miu Miu’s viral success over the last three years, will join Versace in April. He will be the first person outside the Versace family to lead the house. “I am truly honoured to join Versace as the chief creative officer and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury house created by Gianni and Donatella,” wrote Vitale in a statement.

He continued: “The house of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.”

The announcement comes amidst a swirl of murmurings that Prada Group is reportedly in talks to buy Versace from Capri Holdings.

Following Gianni Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella has steered the house with exhilarating collections built to empower and give strength and confidence. Under her tenure, her swan song AW25 outing, unveiled in Milan last month, was dedicated to her “Versace superheroes”, packed with many references pulled from the Versace archive – including vivid print shirts and leather trousers, sexy chainmail dresses and fierce tailoring.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity,” wrote Donatella. “In my new role as chief brand ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.” Spoken like a true powerhouse, we salute you Donatella – thank you for three decades of truly fabulous fashion. We extend our congratulations to Dario! A new dawn for Versace awaits.

Photography by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott.

versace.com