Donatella Versace has officially announced her departure from her role as creative director of the prestigious fashion house Versace, a position she has held since 1997, following the tragic death of her brother Gianni. Her nearly 30-year tenure has seen her design not only groundbreaking fashion collections but also fashion campaigns, hotels, and even automobiles.
At 69, Donatella will be succeeded by Dario Vitale, a former design director for Miu Miu, who will take on the creative leadership role, while Donatella shifts her focus to a new brand ambassador position as well as philanthropic and charitable activities. This transition comes as rumors surface about the Prada Group’s potential interest in acquiring Versace from Capri Holdings, which purchased the brand for €2 billion (£1.67 billion) back in 2018.
In a statement dated Thursday, Capri Holdings described the leadership change as part of a "thoughtful succession plan," recognizing Donatella's immense contributions to the brand's achievements. The company expressed confidence in Vitale’s abilities, forecasting that his vision will play a crucial role in driving Versace’s future growth.
In her heartfelt Instagram post to her 12 million followers, Donatella reflected on her journey with Versace, stating, "it was the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy." She expressed excitement about the new leadership and a commitment to fostering the next generation of designers, pledging her enduring love for the brand, which she claims is "in my DNA and always in my heart."
Throughout her illustrious career, Donatella has dressed countless celebrities, notably designing the iconic green jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez in 2000, along with notable outfits for Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga. Recognized for her signature bright prints and platinum blonde hair, Donatella has been a defining figure for the Versace brand.
Founded in Milan in 1978 by the Versace siblings, the fashion house was integrated into Capri Holdings in 2019. Versace currently contributes significantly to Capri’s revenue projections, expected to represent 20% of Capri's €5.2 billion (£4.3 billion) revenue for 2024.
