Versace's Creative Director Leaves Amidst Prada Purchase, Just Nine Months In
In a shocking move, Versace's creative director Dario Vitale has parted ways with the Italian fashion house just nine months after taking on the role. The decision comes as Versace was sold to rival Italian luxury brand Prada for $1.4 billion earlier this month. According to reports, Vitale and the company have "mutually agreed" to end their partnership, effective December 12.
Vitale's departure marks a significant setback for Versace, which was already facing declining sales under his leadership. The brand reported a 15% drop in year-on-year sales to $193 million in the last three months of 2024. Vitale's tenure was marked by controversy, with some critics calling out the collection as chaotic and lacking cohesion.
Industry insiders point to a disconnect between Vitale's design aesthetic and that of Prada's luxury vision. "Prada's leadership seemed unconvinced that he could jump from a behind-the-scenes role to a highly visible creative directorship, or that his taste was a match," Business of Fashion reported.
Vitale's departure may be seen as a blow to Versace's chances of competing with established luxury powerhouses such as LVMH and Kering. The brand has struggled to regain its footing since the passing of Donatella Versace's brother in 1997, when she took over as creative director. Vitale was the first outsider to hold the role.
As Prada looks to expand its luxury empire, it will need to carefully consider its next move in finding a new creative direction for Versace. Industry heavy-hitters such as Olivier Rousteing and Kim Jones are rumored to be free agents who could potentially fill the gap left by Vitale's departure.
In a shocking move, Versace's creative director Dario Vitale has parted ways with the Italian fashion house just nine months after taking on the role. The decision comes as Versace was sold to rival Italian luxury brand Prada for $1.4 billion earlier this month. According to reports, Vitale and the company have "mutually agreed" to end their partnership, effective December 12.
Vitale's departure marks a significant setback for Versace, which was already facing declining sales under his leadership. The brand reported a 15% drop in year-on-year sales to $193 million in the last three months of 2024. Vitale's tenure was marked by controversy, with some critics calling out the collection as chaotic and lacking cohesion.
Industry insiders point to a disconnect between Vitale's design aesthetic and that of Prada's luxury vision. "Prada's leadership seemed unconvinced that he could jump from a behind-the-scenes role to a highly visible creative directorship, or that his taste was a match," Business of Fashion reported.
Vitale's departure may be seen as a blow to Versace's chances of competing with established luxury powerhouses such as LVMH and Kering. The brand has struggled to regain its footing since the passing of Donatella Versace's brother in 1997, when she took over as creative director. Vitale was the first outsider to hold the role.
As Prada looks to expand its luxury empire, it will need to carefully consider its next move in finding a new creative direction for Versace. Industry heavy-hitters such as Olivier Rousteing and Kim Jones are rumored to be free agents who could potentially fill the gap left by Vitale's departure.
. I mean, 9 months is a pretty short stint, even for someone who's new to the creative director role. It makes you wonder if Prada just wasn't on board with his vision or what? 
. Maybe they needed a fresh face to shake things up and bring some new energy to the brand.
. Fingers crossed that Prada finds someone who can take Versace to the next level! 
I remember when Donatella took over after her brother passed away, it was such a big deal and people were so excited to see where she'd take the brand. Now, with all these changes happening at Versace, I'm worried they're gonna lose their identity for good... 
And Prada buying them is just making things even more confusing... like, what's next? Are they gonna change the logo or something?! 
. I mean, he was like, super new to the role and already facing all these challenges 
. It's like, the pressure is so high and there are always going to be people doubting whether an outsider can do it, you know? 
. Fingers crossed! 
15% drop in sales ain't no joke 
like what's next, gonna change their business model or somethin? 
"
I mean, I get that people can have different tastes and all, but this feels like a pretty big misstep... now Prada has to figure out who they want to be, if you know what I mean 
... might be interesting to see how they choose their next creative director 
. i mean, vitale was already struggling with declining sales and people were like "what's happening?" 
. i hope prada finds someone who knows what they're doing 
. anyway, guess this means no more vitale designs 
.
guess the $1.4b prada deal wasn't enough to keep him on board 
! what was prada thinking when they bought versace for $1.4 billion? they must've thought they were getting some magic formula or something 
. and now they're left with this messy collection from vitale... i don't get it, is prada not willing to invest time in finding the right creative director who can make them stand out from those luxury powerhouses like lvmh and kering 
? maybe olivier rousteing or kim jones could be a good fit... but come on, prada, get it together! 
. And now Versace is left with even more financial struggles because Vitale can't deliver 
. Can't Prada just try a new creative director already?