Donatella Versace Resigns as Creative Director of Versace

Donatella Versace is leaving her position as creative director of Versace.

The 69-year-old designer, who assumed the post in 1997 when her brother Gianni Versace was murdered, will serve as a brand ambassador for the fashion firm. Former Miu Miu design director Dario Vitale will succeed her.

“It has always been important to me to support the next generation of designers,” Donatella stated in a statement.

Dario Vitale’s arrival makes me very happy, and I can’t wait to experience Versace from a different angle. I would like to express my gratitude to my amazing design team and all of the Versace staff with whom I have had the honor of working for more than thirty years.

Continuing the legacy of my brother Gianni has been the greatest honor of my life. I think I possess some of his spirit and perseverance, but he was the real genius.

“Remain Versace’s most passionate supporter,” Donatella pledged.

“I will continue to be Versace’s most ardent supporter in my new position as Chief Brand Ambassador,” she continued. Versace is ingrained in my heart and DNA.

The announcements were made as part of a “thoughtful succession plan,” according to Capri Holdings, the company that purchased Versace in 2018.

“Today’s announcements were part of a thoughtful succession plan for Versace,” stated Chairman and CEO John D. Idol. Donatella has been a key contributor to the company’s worldwide success since 1997.

“[Vitale] is a strong design leader, and we are sure that his vision and talent will play a key role in Versace’s future expansion.”

According to the firm, Donatella intends to “continue to be an ambassador for Versace worldwide and dedicate herself to the support of the brand’s philanthropic and charitable endeavors.”

Dario, meanwhile, called his new position a “privilege.”

The House of Versace has a distinctive legacy that spans decades and has influenced the history of fashion, he stated. I want to sincerely thank Donatella for believing in me and for her unwavering commitment to making Versace the remarkable brand it is today. It is an honor to use my vision, knowledge, and commitment to support Versace’s future expansion and worldwide influence.

Donatella and her brothers Gianni and Santo created Versace in Milan in 1978. In 2018, it was acquired by the Michael Kors company, which the following year merged into Capri Holdings.

Among her most famous designs are Michelle Obama’s gown for her last state banquet in 2016 and Jennifer Lopez’s green jungle dress from 2000. Donatella has clothed some of the biggest celebrities in the world, including Madonna and Beyonce.