After nearly 30 years at the helm, Donatella Versace has announced her departure from the creative director role at the iconic fashion house she helped shape. Taking over after the tragic murder of her brother Gianni in 1997, Donatella's influence has been felt across countless campaigns and luxury ventures, including hotels and automobiles. The 69-year-old will transition into a new brand ambassador position as Dario Vitale, the former design director for Miu Miu, steps into the chief creative role. This change is occurring amidst reports of possible interest from the Prada Group in acquiring Versace from its current owner, Capri Holdings, which purchased the brand for €2 billion in 2018. The succession plan has been described as thoughtful by Capri Holdings, which expressed gratitude for Donatella's transformative impact on the brand while asserting Vitale will guide its future growth. In a heartfelt Instagram post to her millions of followers, Donatella stated her commitment to her brother's legacy and expressed her enthusiasm for ushering the brand into a new era under Vitale's leadership.
Donatella has not only dressed global superstars like Madonna and Beyoncé but is also recognized for many iconic fashion moments, including creating a standout dress for Jennifer Lopez. Founded in Milan in 1978, the fashion house continues to be a significant asset to Capri Holdings, contributing 20% to its projected 2024 revenue.
As Donatella Versace takes a step back, the fashion world watches closely to see how her successor will navigate the future of this renowned brand.