Dario Vitale is exiting Versace, effective Dec 12th, in a move the company described as a “mutual decision” under new owner Prada Group.
A new creative configuration will be announced in due course. In the meantime, the design team will operate under the guidance of Versace CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger, the company said.
The news comes just two days after Prada’s acquisition of Versace closed. The move shows Prada Group and its controlling shareholders, the Prada-Bertelli clan, sticking to their initial assessment: Vitale was never their pick for the brand — having been hired under Michael Kors parent Capri Holdings. A warm industry reception for his debut runway show did little to sway them.
Vitale previously worked closely with Miuccia Prada as design director of Miu Miu. His exit in late 2024 created an unwelcome hiccup for Miu Miu, which has powered growth for Prada Group in recent years.
More importantly, 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 for their $1.7 billion acquisition. In multiple investor calls and public appearances, CEO Andrea Guerra sidestepped questions about whether the company was happy to reunite with its longtime executive Vitale at the helm of Versace.
Stay tuned to BoF for updates on this developing story.
