Let’s get one thing straight: no one really replaces Donatella Versace. But if there’s one designer audacious enough to step into the house that Gianni built—and Donatella fiercely defended—it’s Dario Vitale, the newly appointed Chief Creative Officer of Versace. His name may not yet be splashed across your Instagram feed, but give it a season. The Italian designer is said to be shaking up the house of Medusa with a razor-sharp eye, years of experience, and a gaze that’s as serious as it is subversive. Cover image: courtesy of Versace
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THE RISE OF DARIO VITALE
Born in Rome and educated at Central Saint Martins (because, of course), Dario Vitale has long been orbiting the inner circles of fashion’s most directional players. But unlike some of his louder peers, Vitale has preferred to operate under the radar, letting his designs—and their impact—speak for themselves. Comparable to the Olsen Twins and Phoebe Philo, yet in his own way. In the industry, Dario Vitale has earned a reputation as a designer’s designer: cerebral, strategic, and just the right amount of offbeat. It’s safe to say his work exudes an intellectual sexiness, one that feels right at home in the lineage of Italian fashion, but with a hint of thought-provoking weirdness.
MIU MIU, JIL SANDER, LOUIS VUITTON AND MORE
Before landing at Versace, Vitale worked at some of the most influential houses in Europe. His most notable tenure? Undoubtedly Miu Miu, where he worked closely with Miuccia Prada for nearly a decade. Insiders credit him with pushing the label into its most buzzy, meme-able era to date—think: balletcore, awkward silhouettes that somehow feel chic, and a devil-may-care attitude toward traditional femininity. The commotion-causing ultra-miniskirt? His design. Bag charms? Under his helm. Ballet flats, polo shirts, bejewelled panties, and nerdy glasses? Thank Dario Vitale on bare knees. Sure, Miuccia Prada is the creative brain behind the super successful house, but it was Vitale who brought her vision to life.
At Miu Miu, the creative director learned the art of tension: sweet versus subversive, girlhood versus power, nostalgia versus now. It’s that careful balancing act—combined with his deep understanding of branding, virality, and what young consumers want—that likely landed him the top job at Versace. Glamour recently explained how Miu Miu quickly became Gen Z’s favorite brand, and chances are that they have to do a sequel on Versace soon.
But even before Miu Miu, Dario Vitale made a name in the industry. He had stints at Louis Vuitton and Jil Sander, where he absorbed the codes of minimalism, precision tailoring, and narrative-rich design—exactly what these houses have become known for.
MIUFICATION OF VERSACE?
So what does this mean for Versace? The house that once gave us safety pins, J.Lo’s jungle dress, and unapologetic excess now finds itself at a creative crossroads. In recent years, Versace has struggled to define its next chapter, caught between its baroque legacy and TikTok relevance. Enter Vitale, who may bring the clarity—and the chaos—the house needs. Here, we’re already buzzing about a potential “Miufication” of Versace: a shift toward ironic sensuality, unexpected references (yet obvious ones), and a less literal take on sex appeal. Don’t be surprised if Medusa herself starts looking a bit more demure—and a lot more weird.
Think of it as Versace in a Prada world. With Donatella still serving as a creative advisor, and the house now fully integrated into the Capri Holdings family, alongside Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, the appointment also signals a deeper alignment with the aesthetic discipline of the Prada Group. Expect a heightened focus on craft, a slightly cooler color palette, and storytelling about humans and characters instead of picture-perfect personas.
THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED
Vitale’s first collection for Versace will debut during Milan Fashion Week this September, and expectations are sky-high. Will he pay homage to the brand’s maximalist roots, or will he gut the golden interiors and rebuild from the studs? One thing’s for sure: the industry will be watching. Closely.
The expectations are high, according to Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger: “Vitale is a rare talent who deeply respects the essence and values of Versace and clearly understands its growth potential. […] We are convinced that his experience and vision will bring a new perspective to the brand.” After all, revitalizing a legacy brand is no small feat. But if anyone can rewire the codes of Versace without losing its spark, it might just be Dario Vitale—a man who understands that sometimes, the most powerful way to honor the past is to make it feel like the future.
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