Only two days after the Prada Group formally finalised its acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings, the Italian fashion house is already confronting its first major creative shift: Chief Creative Officer Dario Vitale is set to leave the brand.
Vitale, widely regarded as a tireless presence at the Milan headquarters, has reportedly been absent for several days, according to sources. When approached for confirmation, Versace acknowledged that he would indeed exit the company, although the precise timing of his departure and the brand’s future creative direction remain undisclosed.
The development arrives at a crucial moment for the label. On Tuesday, Prada Group officially completed its acquisition of Versace, a deal first unveiled in April and considered one of the most significant transactions in recent luxury fashion history. The move restores Versace to Italian ownership and strengthens Prada Group’s competitive stance against European luxury powerhouses such as LVMH and Kering.
Prada Group chief executive Lorenzo Bertelli previously expressed confidence in the ambitious growth plans for the brand. He had said that scaling Versace would be “a substantial undertaking,” but also something the group was prepared to tackle, adding that the potential was considerable and that the team was eager to guide the house’s next evolution.
Vitale’s abrupt departure now casts uncertainty over what that evolution will entail under fresh leadership.
In April, Donatella Versace stepped down from the role of Creative Director, handing the reins to Vitale while assuming the newly created position of Chief Brand Ambassador, with a focus on philanthropic initiatives. Vitale’s debut collection for the house was unveiled in September.
Industry sources indicate that Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, had been exploring opportunities beyond the Prada Group, and his appointment at Versace was not part of a broader pre-acquisition strategy.
With Vitale departing before his first major runway season under the new ownership, Versace’s next chapter at Prada Group begins on more uncertain terrain. The fashion world will now be watching closely to see who assumes creative control—and how the group reshapes a house long defined by its singular aesthetic lineage.
