In a move that marks a significant shift in the fashion industry, Donatella Versace, the celebrated creative director of the eponymous luxury brand, is stepping down from her role after 26 years.
Donatella Versace Bids Farewell as Creative Director of Iconic Fashion House
Donatella Versace Bids Farewell as Creative Director of Iconic Fashion House
Donatella Versace announces her departure from the creative director position after nearly three decades at the helm of Versace, signaling a transformative change for the brand.
The 69-year-old fashion icon took over leadership of Versace in 1997 following the tragic murder of her brother, Gianni Versace. Since then, she has transformed the brand, launching innumerable fashion campaigns and contributing to designs beyond clothing, including hotels and automotive collaborations. Her successor, Dario Vitale, previously held the title of design director at Miu Miu and will now take the reins as creative director.
This leadership change comes amid rumors of the Prada Group's potential interest in acquiring Versace from its current owner, Capri Holdings, which purchased the luxury brand for approximately €2 billion in 2018.
In a formal announcement, Capri Holdings indicated that Donatella will transition into a role focused on philanthropic efforts, contributing her voice to community initiatives while remaining a global ambassador for Versace. The company praised her for her invaluable contributions that have cemented the brand's success on a global scale.
Through a heartfelt message on Instagram to her 12 million followers, Donatella expressed her deep affection for Versace, stating it is embedded in her identity. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy," she wrote, signaling her enthusiasm for the next chapter with Vitale at the helm.
Under Donatella's leadership, Versace dressed numerous A-list celebrities, including Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, and was responsible for iconic fashion moments such as Jennifer Lopez’s unforgettable green jungle dress worn at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
Founded in Milan in 1978 by Donatella and her brothers Santo and Gianni, Versace has become synonymous with bold designs and opulent aesthetic that reflects Donatella’s vibrant personality. After being sold to Michael Kors group in 2018 and subsequently becoming part of Capri Holdings in 2019, Versace plays a crucial role in contributing to approximately 20% of Capri's projected revenue of €5.2 billion for 2024.
This leadership change comes amid rumors of the Prada Group's potential interest in acquiring Versace from its current owner, Capri Holdings, which purchased the luxury brand for approximately €2 billion in 2018.
In a formal announcement, Capri Holdings indicated that Donatella will transition into a role focused on philanthropic efforts, contributing her voice to community initiatives while remaining a global ambassador for Versace. The company praised her for her invaluable contributions that have cemented the brand's success on a global scale.
Through a heartfelt message on Instagram to her 12 million followers, Donatella expressed her deep affection for Versace, stating it is embedded in her identity. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy," she wrote, signaling her enthusiasm for the next chapter with Vitale at the helm.
Under Donatella's leadership, Versace dressed numerous A-list celebrities, including Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, and was responsible for iconic fashion moments such as Jennifer Lopez’s unforgettable green jungle dress worn at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
Founded in Milan in 1978 by Donatella and her brothers Santo and Gianni, Versace has become synonymous with bold designs and opulent aesthetic that reflects Donatella’s vibrant personality. After being sold to Michael Kors group in 2018 and subsequently becoming part of Capri Holdings in 2019, Versace plays a crucial role in contributing to approximately 20% of Capri's projected revenue of €5.2 billion for 2024.
