Donatella Versace, one of the most iconic names in fashion, has announced her decision to step down as creative director of Versace after nearly three decades at the helm. Her departure marks the end of an era for the Italian luxury brand, which she took over following the tragic death of her brother, Gianni Versace, in 1997.
A New Chapter for Donatella
Donatella will transition into a new role as chief brand ambassador for Versace. In an emotional Instagram post, she reflected on her journey: “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.” She expressed excitement about seeing the brand evolve under fresh leadership while pledging to remain its most passionate supporter.
Dario Vitale Steps In
Replacing Donatella is Dario Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, who will take over as creative director starting April 1. Donatella welcomed Vitale warmly, emphasizing her commitment to championing the next generation of designers. Vitale thanked her for trusting him and vowed to honor the legacy she has built.
A Legacy of Bold Fashion
Donatella’s tenure transformed Versace into a global powerhouse. Known for her daring designs and ability to blend fashion with pop culture, she created unforgettable moments that defined eras. Her work included iconic red-carpet looks such as Jennifer Lopez’s green “jungle dress” at the 2000 Grammys, a gown that nearly broke the internet and cemented its place in fashion history.
Jennifer Lopez’s Jungle Dress
The jungle dress became a cultural phenomenon when Lopez wore it despite her stylist’s protests that it had already been seen. Lopez later compared it to Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress, calling it “this generation’s Marilyn dress.” Donatella herself admitted she hadn’t anticipated its massive success, saying it was “an unexpected triumph.”
Lady Gaga’s Bond with Versace
Lady Gaga has long shared a close connection with Versace. From wearing custom ensembles during her Super Bowl halftime performance to dedicating her song “Donatella” as a love letter to the designer, Gaga has celebrated Versace’s influence throughout her career. Donatella reciprocated this admiration, praising Gaga’s ability to find strength and character through fashion.
Angelina Jolie’s Viral Oscars Look
Another standout moment was Angelina Jolie’s black strapless gown with a thigh-high slit at the 2012 Oscars. The dress became instantly iconic when Jolie’s dramatic pose went viral. Donatella later called it one of her most memorable creations, highlighting how a simple design can become extraordinary when worn by the right person.
Britney Spears’ Butterfly Dress
Britney Spears’ “butterfly dress” from 2002 remains a symbol of Y2K fashion. Donatella fondly recalled Britney attending her show and described her as “magical.” The dress returned to prominence when Blake Lively wore it at a film premiere in 2024, proving its enduring appeal.
Beyoncé and Zendaya Pay Tribute
Beyoncé’s vibrant dresses in the “Crazy in Love” music video were another milestone for Versace. Stylist Ty Hunter revealed that Donatella generously provided an entire collection for the shoot. Years later, Zendaya honored Beyoncé by wearing a similar Versace gown at the BET Awards, earning praise from Donatella herself.
Expanding Beyond Fashion
Under Donatella’s leadership, Versace expanded into home décor, fragrances, and even hotels, turning the brand into a lifestyle empire. Collaborations like the Versace x H&M collection made high fashion accessible to wider audiences and showcased her ability to innovate.
Challenges and Triumphs
Taking over after Gianni’s death was no easy task. Donatella openly admitted struggling during her early years as creative director but credited those challenges with helping her grow. Her bold vision eventually led to critical acclaim and cemented Versace’s reputation for sophistication and glamour.
Speculation About Versace’s Future
Donatella’s departure comes amid rumors that Prada Group may be interested in acquiring Versace from Capri Holdings, which bought the brand in 2018 for $2 billion. While Capri has not commented on these reports, bringing in Vitale from Miu Miu has fueled speculation about potential changes.
Tributes Pour In
Fashion icons and fans alike have flooded social media with tributes to Donatella. Designers like Fausto Puglisi and Pierpaolo Piccioli praised her contributions to fashion history, while thousands of fans celebrated her unforgettable moments.
Looking Ahead
Versace CEO John Idol described Donatella’s move as part of a thoughtful succession plan aimed at ensuring the brand’s continued growth. He expressed confidence in Vitale’s vision while emphasizing that Donatella will remain integral to Versace as chief brand ambassador.
As Donatella steps into this new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy filled with bold designs, cultural milestones, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Her influence on fashion is undeniable, and she will continue to inspire future generations as she champions the brand she helped build into an icon.
