Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director

Donatella Versace is stepping down as the brand’s Creative Director—a role she’s inhabited since the 1997 murder of her brother Gianni Versace—as she becomes Versace’s Chief Brand Ambassador.

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Donatella Versace is strutting into a new role.

The 69-year-old announced she is stepping down as Versace’s Creative Director, a role she’s inhabited since 1997 after her brother Gianni Versace was tragically murdered.

“Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” she wrote in a statement shared to the brand’s Instagram page March 13. “I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades.”

She added, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity.”

Donatella will now act as Versace’s Chief Brand Ambassador, adding she will always be the brand’s “most passionate supporter.”

After all, as she noted, “Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”

Stepping into her place is Dario, a Naples-born fashion designer who had been with Miu Miu since 2010 prior to him leaving his position in late January—presumably ahead of his new role at Versace. While with Miu Miu, Dario grew from the role of fashion designer to design director. Also during that time, the brand saw its revenue grow by 97.3 percent, per The New York Times.

Following the announcement, Dario expressed his gratitude over being handed Versace’s reins, sharing he is “truly honored” to join the brand.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

“The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion,” the 42-year-old’s statement continued. “I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her tryst in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today.”

He added, “It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.”

Estrop/Getty Images

But as Versace moves into a new landscape, Donatella’s legacy won’t be easily forgotten. After all, it was a green-printed Versace dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys that inspired the creation of Google Images.

As CEO of Versace Emmanuel Gintzburger said in a news release, “Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the passion she has brought to her role every day for nearly thirty years.”

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