Versace Creative Director Dario Vitale Departs Shortly After Prada's $1.4 Billion Acquisition
Dario Vitale will leave his position as creative director of Versace effective 12 December, after serving a single season since his appointment in March. He succeeded Donatella Versace, who stepped down as creative chief earlier in March after 27 years.
Vitale's departure comes just two days after Prada completed its $1.4 billion acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings. Following this transition, Versace's creative team will report to CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger.
Both Vitale and Prada mutually agreed to part ways. Industry commentary, including insights from Business of Fashion, suggested that Vitale was not seen as a suitable fit for the prominent creative directorship under Prada's leadership. Prada reportedly questioned his ability to shift from a behind-the-scenes role to leading the brand as its top creative executive.
Vitale's spring/summer 2026 collection received mixed reviews, featuring 1980s-inspired shapes and club-ready silhouettes. Before joining Versace, he had left Miu Miu, which has been a standout brand in the current year. In comparison, Prada Group experienced mixed sales performances overall, with Miu Miu's sales up and the Prada brand's sales down. Versace itself posted a 15% year-on-year sales drop in late 2024.
Prada has stated that a replacement creative director for Versace will be announced in due course.
