Donatella Versace Bids Adieu to Creative Directorship, Embraces New Role as Brand Ambassador
In a move that has fashionistas buzzing, Donatella Versace has announced her departure from the role of Creative Director at Versace, a position she has valiantly held since the tragic murder of her brother, Gianni Versace, in 1997. This transition comes as Donatella, now 69, embraces the title of Chief Brand Ambassador, a role where she vows to continue championing the next generation of designers. In a heartfelt statement shared on the brand’s Instagram, she expressed her excitement about Dario Vitale stepping in as the new Creative Director.
Vitale, a Naples-born designer with a notable history at Miu Miu, where he climbed the ranks from designer to design director while overseeing a staggering 97.3% revenue growth, is poised to bring fresh energy to the iconic brand. He expressed deep gratitude for the trust Donatella has placed in him and acknowledged the immense heritage of Versace that has shaped the fashion landscape over decades.
Donatella’s legacy is hard to overstate; she has not only kept the flame of her brother’s genius alive but has also added her unique flair to the brand. How could we forget the iconic green jungle dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys? That moment didn’t just make headlines; it inspired the creation of Google Images, marking a cultural milestone that transcended fashion. Emmanuel Gintzburger, the CEO of Versace, underscored this sentiment, stating, “Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the passion she has brought to her role every day for nearly thirty years.”
As she relinquishes directorial duties, Donatella reassures us that Versace will always be part of her DNA, and she’ll remain the brand’s most ardent supporter. In an industry where change is the only constant, this shift marks a significant new chapter for both Donatella and Versace, as they navigate the evolving landscape of fashion together.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, The New York Times, Vogue
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
