Frequent turnover is par for the course when it comes to creative directors in the fashion world. But people can still be shocked when an unexpected change occurs, especially when a creative director has been replaced for decades. That’s what happened in March when Versace announced that Donatella Versace would be stepping down and Dario Vitale would take over.
This is a defining moment in the brand’s history, as it is the first time in the nearly 50 years since its creation in 1978 that founders Gianni and Donatella Versace will no longer be in charge of the creative design of the brand’s collections. The Versace founder will transition to a role as Versace’s chief brand ambassador, overseeing the brand’s philanthropic efforts.
“Supporting the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” Donatella said in a statement, and she is excited that Vitale is joining the team and taking over from her on April 1. “I am delighted that Dario Vitale is joining us and I look forward to seeing Versace through a new lens.”
Vitale previously served as design and image director at Miu Miu. He joined the Prada Group in 2010 and worked his way up from fashion designer to creative leadership, staying with the company for 15 years until January 2025.
A new era is about to dawn on the iconic Italian brand, and fashion lovers are eagerly awaiting what Vitale will bring. But who exactly is he? And how will his designs breathe new life into Versace?
Keep scrolling to learn more about Vitale, including where he grew up, who his mentors are, and how he navigates his private life in a very public industry.
Vitale’s designs are deeply influenced by his heritage
Born in 1983, Dario Vitale grew up near Naples, Italy. The Italian designer graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy, with a degree in fashion design in 2006. After graduation, Vitale worked for high-end fashion brand Dsquared2, which was founded in 1995 in Milan by twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten. From bright colors to ornate details, Vitale’s Italian heritage is infused in his designs.
He was an apprentice to Thomas Maier
A year later, Vitale left Dsquared2 because he received an offer from Bottega Veneta that he couldn’t refuse. At Bottega Veneta, Vitale had apprenticed with German designer Tomas Maier, who was the creative director of the Italian brand from 2001 to 2018. Therefore, Vitale’s apprenticeship with Maier was very meaningful. This experience was invaluable to him, giving him a deeper understanding and appreciation of luxury craftsmanship and establishing his own fashion design principles.
His creative guidance reshaped Miu Miu
2010 was a year of great change for Italian designer and luxury brand Miu Miu. Vitale started as a fashion designer under Miuccia Prada, gradually rising through the ranks and was eventually appointed director of ready-to-wear design and chief image director. Vitale also had the opportunity to work with Fabio Zambernard, former design director of Miu Miu and Prada.
He played a crucial role in redefining Miu Miu and introducing the brand to the contemporary fashion world through his avant-garde vision. The Italian designer pioneered important trends such as the miniskirt for the Spring/Summer 2022 collection and the librarian-chic look for the Fall/Winter 2023 collection. Under Vitale’s leadership, Miu Miu achieved an astonishing 93% retail growth in 2024. His tenure has proven that he is indispensable in any fashion field.
He is an enigma outside of fashion
Vitale’s life outside of fashion remains a mystery. While his designs and design philosophy are well known, his personal life is mostly very private. Despite his rapid rise as a fashion designer, he has always kept a low profile. Vitale rarely gives personal interviews, and despite having nearly 40,000 followers, his social media accounts are deserted and almost non-existent.