Versace Chief Creative Officer Dario Vitale Departs

Dario Vitale, Versace's newly appointed chief creative officer, is departing the Italian fashion house after less than a year in the role and just one collection, the brand confirmed Thursday. His exit, effective December 12, follows closely on the heels of Prada Group's completion of its acquisition of Versace earlier this week.

Vitale, 42, joined Versace in March as the first non-family member to lead its creative operations, succeeding Donatella Versace, who had helmed the brand since her brother Gianni's murder in 1997. Donatella, now 70, transitioned to the position of chief brand ambassador. Prior to Versace, Vitale spent 14 years at Miu Miu, a Prada Group label, rising to design director for ready-to-wear and brand image. His appointment had signaled a potential shift, especially amid reports of the impending Prada deal.

Vitale's debut collection for spring-summer 2026, presented in September at Milan's Pinacoteca Ambrosiana museum, drew widespread praise for its bold homage to Gianni Versace's 1980s aesthetic. The show featured sensual, rebellious elements like unbuttoned jeans, backless tank tops, embroidered bralettes, and thigh-slit leather pieces, blending baroque...