Leaving so soon? Perhaps Dario Vitale wanted to jump back into the Creative Director Musical Chairs game, but after just one season, the designer has surprised everyone by suddenly exiting his role at Versace.
As Fashionista reports, Vitale presented his first (and last) show in September for Milan Fashion Week Spring 2026. It was a stellar and well-received debut, which makes the exit all the more perplexing.
If you’re wondering if Vitale’s departure has anything to do with Versace’s recent sale to the Prada Group, you’re probably right. Reportedly, Vitale left Versace after only nine months because the new owners, who acquired the brand for 1.4 Billion, found him a “poor fit” for their long-term vision, leading to a “mutual” parting despite his critically acclaimed debut collection and a tenure that was always transitional, with industry sources pointing to misalignment in creative direction and strategy after the sale closed.
“Versace and its Chief Creative Officer, Dario Vitale, have mutually agreed to part ways effective December 12, 2025,” Lorenzo Bertelli, Versace/Prada Group executive chairman, said in a statement. “We would like to sincerely thank Dario for his outstanding contribution to the development of the brand’s creative strategy during this transition period, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.”
Supposedly Vitale was always seen as a temporary creative director bridging the gap after Donatella Versace stepped down, and the new ownership wanted their own vision for the brand’s next chapter. Sources also suggest misunderstandings and a lack of alignment between Vitale and the new Prada Group management contributed to the split, despite his strong debut show.
His successor will be named “in due course,” but for now, CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger will oversee the creative team.
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