What will Versace look like with no one of the same name in it? This rhetoric question isn’t rhetoric anymore as Donatella, sister of the brand’s founder, Gianni, is stepping down as Creativie Director after almost thirty years at the helm of Versace. In shocking news, the Italian powerhouse has announced she’s retiring and letting a breath of fresh air come into the maximalist House. The 69-year-old will be replaced by Dario Vitale, who is a former design director for Miu Miu, and who Donatella trusts will be the right person to keep on the family brand’s legacy.
In a heartfelt public statement on Instagram, Donatella shares: “Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades. It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”