In a dramatic move signalling the start of a new era, Dario Vitale has stepped down as creative director of Versace just days after the Italian fashion house was officially acquired by the Prada Group.
A Swift Departure Post-Acquisition
The company confirmed on Thursday, 4 December 2025, that Vitale will leave his post after a mere eight months. His exit comes a strikingly short two days after Prada finalised its monumental $1.375 billion purchase of Versace from US group Capri Holdings.
Versace issued a formal statement expressing gratitude for Vitale's work: "We would like to sincerely thank Dario for his outstanding contribution to the development of the brand’s creative strategy during this transition period, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."
His final day will be Friday, 12 December. The brand has stated that a successor will be named soon, with CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger taking temporary oversight of the creative team.
A Historic Appointment Cut Short
Vitale's appointment in April 2025 was a landmark moment for the iconic label. He became only the third creative director in Versace's history and, critically, the first ever from outside the Versace family.
Donatella Versace had helmed the creative vision since the tragic murder of her brother and founder, Gianni Versace, in 1997. Vitale's debut collection for the house premiered during Milan Fashion Week in September, staged across two floors of a historic 17th-century palazzo.
At the time, the Italian-born designer spoke passionately about the brand's cultural imprint, saying, "Growing up in Italy... made him intimate with the Versace codes, that kind of a bold attitude, very Italian. It’s something that belongs to culture. It’s something that you know by heart." He famously likened the brand's universal appeal to that of "Coca-Cola".
The New Era Under Prada
The high-profile acquisition, now complete after receiving all regulatory clearances, is poised to revitalise Versace. The brand had experienced mixed fortunes under Capri Holdings, which also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.
Prada confirmed the deal's completion in a succinct statement. Capri Holdings noted the proceeds would be used to reduce its debt burden. Donatella Versace publicly welcomed the merger in an Instagram post that also honoured her late brother Gianni on his birthday.
This major shake-up in the luxury sector places Versace under the stewardship of one of its historic rivals, setting the stage for a significant strategic and creative reboot. The industry will now watch closely to see who steps into the pivotal creative director role to guide the brand's future under its new ownership.
