Donatella Versace steps down as creative director after decades at the helm, with Dario Vitale set to lead Versace’s design future.

Donatella Versace has decided to become the principal brand ambassador and step down as creative director of the high-end fashion label that her late brother Gianni Versace created. Dario Vitale, former design director at Miu Miu, will be appointed as creative director from April 1. Versace anticipates the next chapter of the brand with Vitale's creative vision and recommits to its legacy.

After Gianni was brutally murdered in 1997, Donatella took the reins. Even now, she has managed to keep the name within the realms of bold and powerful fashion. Some of her best moments include the tribute show for Gianni in 2017 and the revival of Jennifer Lopez's jungle dress in 2020. Although she has faced enormous challenges, she successfully metamorphosed Versace reinventing it without losing core aesthetics of the brand.

This leadership change comes while conversation swirls that Prada Group is lining up to buy Versace from its U.S. owner, Capri Holdings, which bought the brand for $2.2 billion in 2018. Following Capri's strategic plans to revitalize Versace's bold ex-presentation, expand accessories, and reconnect with younger consumers.

Vitale's appointment, together with Capri's agenda to rejuvenate the brand, has invigorated speculation over a potential sale. Capri, however, has not confirmed if any negotiations were taking place.

Many tributes were paid to the fashion industry in honour of Donatella by famous designers and proliferant fans. Capri CEO John D. Idol said the transition was part of a "thoughtful succession plan" on the way to a promising future for Versace.