Versace creative director exits after just eight months

Dario Vitale is departing Versace as creative director effective December 12, just eight months after his appointment and two days after Prada completed its €1.25 billion acquisition of the Italian fashion house from Capri Holdings.pradagroup

Vitale succeeded Donatella Versace in March as the first non-family creative director in the brand’s history and presented only one collection in September that paid homage to founder Gianni Versace with bold, 80s-inspired designs.fashionnetwork

Market sources suggest Vitale was seeking opportunities outside the Prada Group despite his 14-year tenure at Miu Miu, while Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Miuccia Prada, is expected to assume the role of executive chairman at Versace.yahoo

Dario Vitale Departs Versace After Prada Acquisition

Dario Vitale is leaving Versace as creative director, effective December 12, marking an abrupt end to an eight-month tenure that produced just one collection for the storied Italian fashion house. The departure, announced this week, comes just two days after Prada Group completed its €1.25 billion ($1.38 billion) acquisition of Versace on December 2.pradagroup

The brand described Vitale’s exit as a “mutual decision,” though the timing has raised questions about the designer’s fit within the newly merged luxury conglomerate. According to WWD, market sources indicated that Vitale, who was appointed chief creative officer in March, was actually eyeing opportunities outside the Prada Group—suggesting this reunion was not part of his plans.hellomagazine

Brief but Bold Debut

Vitale, 42, succeeded Donatella Versace as the first non-family member to lead the brand’s creative vision in its 47-year history. The Neapolitan designer, who spent more than 14 years at Miu Miu—a Prada subsidiary—where he rose to design and image director, debuted his Spring/Summer 2026 collection in September at Milan’s Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. The vibrant, ’80s-inspired show featured bold color-blocking, retro silhouettes, and a more casual approach to Versace’s signature sensuality, earning praise from retailers and critics as one of the standout presentations of the season.fashionnetwork

Despite the positive reception, industry insiders had speculated about Vitale’s long-term prospects under Prada ownership. “Sources suggest that the senior management at Prada does not respond favorably to departures, particularly from long-serving staff members,” WWD reported. Versace stated that its creative team will continue under CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger’s oversight until a successor is announced “in due course”.vogue

New Era Under Prada

Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Miuccia Prada and heir to the Prada empire, is set to assume the role of executive chairman at Versace, tasked with revitalizing a brand he described as “much larger than the revenue it is currently producing”. The acquisition unites Versace’s maximalist glamour with Prada’s portfolio, which includes the flagship Prada label and the rapidly growing Miu Miu brand. Donatella Versace, who stepped down as creative director in March after nearly 30 years, remains with the company as chief brand ambassador.luxurytribune