Donatella Versace steps down from Versace
A major fashion house is shaking things up.
After nearly three decades as the brand’s creative director, Donatella Versace is stepping down and taking on a new role. She also revealed who will be stepping in.
“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,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “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 thirty years.”
Vitale comes to the brand after working for Miu Miu.
In 1997, Donatella took the helm of the Italian luxury elite fashion company after her brother and the brand’s founder, Gianni Versace, was murdered outside of his Miami Beach mansion. Before that, she served as Vice President.
Thursday’s announcement comes after the fashion mogul appeared at Versace’s Milan Fashion Week show late last month. She fueled speculation she may be exiting as the show paid tribute to Gianni by referencing his last collection from the fall and winter of 1997.
“It has been the greatest honor 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,” she explained. “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.”
The changing of the hands will begin on April 1.
In Donatella’s new role she will “dedicate herself to the support of Versace’s philanthropic and charitable endeavors and will remain an advocate for the brand globally,” the brand said.
It was well known that the designer served as a creative partner and muse for her brother after it launched in 1978. She helped with styling, creating the brand’s image and designing the line’s accessories.
In a post to the Versace brand’s Instagram Stories, Vitale said he was “truly honored” to sign on as Chief Creative Officer “and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury House created by Gianni and Donatella.”
“The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion,” his statement continued. “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.”