Versace Parts Ways with Creative Director Dario Vitale Following Prada Acquisition

The dance of creatives does not stop. When it seemed that stability would come to the most artistic division of luxury, Versace remains topical and again starring a twist in the script. The iconic Italian brand has lost its creative director in the midst of an ownership transition. Dario Vitale had been appointed as head of design in March, when the house was finalizing its move from Capri to Prada. The company has so far not provided details on the timing of the departure or who will take over as head of design.

As advanced by WWD, the designer has not been seen in the Milan offices in recent days, although until now he was known for his constant presence in the studio and for his intense pace of work. When asked, Versace confirmed Vitale’s departure and noted that, for the moment, there is no information available on the future creative direction of the brand.

Vitale came to Versace after nearly three decades of Donatella Versace, the sister of the brand’s founder, as creative director. As part of the corporate operation, the designer left the design helm and moved to the position of brand ambassador in charge, with a focus on the brand’s image and institutional activity. The creative presented his first collection for Versace in September, with a colorful and bold proposal that reclaimed the legacy of Gianni Versace and was well received by retailers.

The designer was no stranger to the Prada group. Prior to his signing with Versace, Vitale was design director of ready-to-wear at Miu Miu, a position he left in January. His entry into Versace was therefore a new contact with the Italian group. However, market sources point out that the creative had in mind a future outside the group and that this move was not necessarily part of his plans.

Versace signed Dario Vitale for his career at Miu Miu, also owned by Prada

In addition, Prada does not take kindly to the departures of long-serving employees, which adds sensitivity to the movement around Vitale. The designer was appointed creative director of Versace in March and his arrival was then interpreted as a bet of continuity with a figure already known to the top of the group.

Vitale’s departure comes just hours after the official closing of the acquisition of Versace by Prada, a deal announced in April for a company value of €1.25 billion. Capri Holdings, hitherto owner of Versace, thus completed the sale of the Italian house to the group controlled by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli.

Within the new structure, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada and son of Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada, is set to assume the executive presidency of Versace. On the management side, Emmanuel Gintzburger, CEO of the brand, remains in his post for now.

For the time being, Versace has not communicated who will replace Vitale or whether the departure will have an impact on the planned collection schedule. Nor has Prada Group offered any further details on the brand’s creative roadmap for this new phase.