Vitale exits as Versace begins a new chapter under Prada Group.
Versace is entering a new phase under Prada Group ownership, and the first major change arrives with the exit of its creative director, Dario Vitale. The news comes only two days after Prada Group finalised its 1.25 billion dollar acquisition of the brand, marking one of the most significant developments in Italian luxury this year. Vitale, who joined the house in March and presented a well received debut show during the September women’s season, will step down on December 12.
In its announcement, Versace acknowledged Vitale’s role during what it described as an important transitional stage and thanked him for his work as the brand shifted hands. His departure follows months of industry speculation about whether he would remain in place after the sale, especially given his position as the first creative lead outside the Versace family. Before joining the house, Vitale spent more than fourteen years at Miu Miu within the Prada Group.
His tenure unfolded during a period of considerable restructuring. Donatella Versace, who continues to serve as a global ambassador for the house, publicly welcomed the sale earlier this year and voiced her support for the brand’s next chapter. Her absence from Vitale’s Spring Summer 2026 presentation, which was added to the schedule late, prompted further questions about how the creative direction might evolve under the new ownership.
Vitale’s debut collection was widely noted for its attempt to firmly reposition Versace within the luxury segment. Early feedback from trunk show buyers indicated strong interest in the elevated offer, which ranged from accessories priced around nine hundred euros to couture gowns. Many analysts had argued before the acquisition that Versace would need a clearer luxury focus to regain momentum, and Vitale’s approach was seen as an early step in that direction.
Attention now shifts to who will steer the brand creatively moving forward. Versace stated that a successor will be named in due course and that the design team will report directly to CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger until a new creative director is appointed. With new ownership, new leadership and another transition ahead, Versace is preparing for one of its most significant periods of change since the death of founder Gianni Versace in 1997.
PHOTO CREDIT: Versace.
