Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director of Versace After 28 Years
After almost three decades at the helm, Donatella Versace has announced that she is stepping down as the creative director of Versace, marking the end of an era for the iconic Italian fashion house.
This announcement, made on Thursday, concludes a remarkable 28-year-long journey in which Donatella not only carried on the legacy of her late brother, Gianni Versace, but also became a global fashion icon in her own right.
Donatella, 69, took on the role of leading the luxury brand after Gianni Versace was tragically murdered outside his Miami Beach mansion in 1997.
Despite having no formal background in fashion or design, she quickly became the face of the Versace brand, her vision and fierce dedication shaping the company into what it is today.
Through the years, Donatella made history with bold and unforgettable runway shows that showcased some of the most legendary models in fashion, including Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford.
Donatella Versace walks her SS18 with supermodels Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen in September 2017.
Her platinum-blond hair and the unforgettable glam of the brand's runway shows became as emblematic of Versace as its gold, mythological logo.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy," Donatella wrote in an emotional Instagram post. "He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity."
Over her tenure, she was not only responsible for continuing Gianni's revolutionary vision but for ensuring that Versace remained at the forefront of the fashion world.
Emmanuel Gintzburger, CEO of Versace and its parent company Capri Holdings, spoke to Donatella's lasting influence.
"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," he said.
In a significant shift for the brand, Dario Vitale has been appointed as the new chief creative officer, marking the first time in the history of Versace that the role has been filled outside the family.
Vitale, who begins his new role on April 1, comes to Versace after a successful career at Prada-owned Miu Miu, where he was most recently the design and image director.
His arrival comes as the luxury fashion world anticipates a $1.6 billion deal that could see the Prada Group acquire Versace from Capri Holdings, bringing Vitale back into the Prada fold.
In another statement, Donatella shared a look back at some her of her most iconic moments with the brand.
She captioned the post, "I hope I've made you proud so far 💜."
Looking ahead, Donatella expressed her excitement for what's to come. "Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me," she added, thanking the company's design studio and employees. "I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes."
Donatella and Gianni Versace in their Milan home. Photo by © Stephanie Maze/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images.
As the fashion house enters a new chapter, Donatella Versace leaves behind an indelible mark on the luxury fashion industry, having not only preserved her brother's legacy but also built one of her own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Brian Wilson, beach boys co-founder and frontman, passes away at 82
Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder and frontman of the iconic American rock band The Beach Boys, has passed away at 82. His family confirmed the news on June 11 through an Instagram post, sharing their grief with the world. A photo of the smiling musician on a bench accompanied the statement: "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. Love & Mercy." Wilson, born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, was the eldest of three siblings, with brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson. He was known for his exceptional musical talent from a young age, which led to the formation of The Beach Boys in 1961. Initially named the Pendletones, Wilson and his brothers, along with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, began their musical journey with hits like "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Surfin' Safari." Wilson was the primary songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and bass guitarist for the band. He helped define the "California sound," with hits like 'Good Vibrations' and the 1966 album Pet Sounds. His visionary approach to music marked a departure from the band's surf-centric themes, establishing his influence on modern pop and rock. Despite his musical success, Wilson struggled with mental health issues, including depression and the pressures of fame. He faced personal challenges, including a difficult relationship with his father, which later led to hearing loss in his right ear. In the 1970s, he retreated from public life, battling drugs, alcohol, and emotional distress. Wilson's comeback began in the 1980s with therapy and a revitalization of his career. He released several solo albums, including Brian Wilson Presents Smile in 2004, a project he had initially abandoned with The Beach Boys in the 1960s. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, two wins for his solo work, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Wilson leaves behind a legacy that shaped the landscape of American music. He is survived by his children from two marriages and his extended family.
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Trace Cyrus slams Billy Ray Cyrus for flying to Italy with Elizabeth Hurley, skipping family funeral
Trace Cyrus, the 36-year-old musician, has publicly lashed out at his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, calling him "evil" and "delusional" in a scathing Instagram post. The former Metro Station guitarist shared a photo of Billy Ray, 63, along with accusations that his father had flown to Italy for a fashion show with girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, while not attending his grandmother's funeral in Los Angeles. In the post, Trace expressed disappointment over his father's priorities, stating that despite his daughter Miley providing a private jet for Billy Ray, he still refused to attend the funeral of their late relative, "Mammie." He also criticized his father's need for fame, describing him as "so hungry for fame it's pathetic." The confrontation comes five months after Trace previously urged his father to seek help following a troubled performance at the Trump inauguration in January. During the event, Billy Ray's performance faced technical issues, and his attempt to continue the show was met with ridicule on social media. At the time, Trace shared his concerns for his father, explaining he barely recognized him and that he was worried about his well-being. -Instagram. However this was followed by another nasty post by Trace which claimed that Billy was considering legal action against him. Adding to the growing rift, Trace declared that he was "past the point of caring" if he ever spoke to Billy Ray again. -Instagram. He criticized his father's appearance, even mocking his hairstyle, and expressed confidence that he had surpassed him in "every metric as a man." -Instagram. Trace has made it clear that he will continue to thrive and take charge as the oldest son of the Cyrus family, emphasizing his plans to raise his future children in a better manner. -Instagram. While Trace's relationship with Billy Ray remains strained, the country singer appears to be in good standing with his other children, including Miley. In May, Miley and Billy Ray reunited for a family photo to celebrate her brother Braison's birthday, dispelling any rumors of a rift. Miley's relationship with her father has been reportedly positive despite speculation over their past tensions, particularly related to his recent relationship with Elizabeth Hurley. Although Trace's public criticisms continue, it seems Billy Ray's bond with his other children remains intact, with Miley recently expressing her determination to overcome family issues.
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Taron Egerton reportedly returns to dating scene after split with Chloe Bennet
Taron Egerton is back on the dating scene, reportedly seeking romance on the celebrity dating app Raya, following a potential split from actress Chloe Bennet. As per DailyMail The Rocketman star, 35, was recently spotted on the app after moving to Los Angeles, suggesting his relationship with Bennet has ended just months after it became public. Egerton and Bennet, known for her role in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., were first seen together in December, enjoying a romantic stroll in New York City. The couple had reportedly been dating secretly for several months, with their relationship confirmed only a short time before their public outing in the Big Apple. They had also spent time in both the US and the UK, with insiders describing their bond as private yet strong. However, the emergence of Egerton's Raya profile, where he mentioned he was visiting London but resides in LA, has led to speculation that the couple has called it quits. The profile also included a music track, Lou's Tune by DARGZ, suggesting a change in his personal life. -Instagram. This marks Egerton's return to the app after his previous split from long-term girlfriend Emily Thomas in 2022. The actor, who had been in a relationship with Thomas for several years, had deleted all traces of her from his social media following their breakup, citing strained schedules as a cause. He had also used Raya after the 2022 split to ease back into dating. As Taron navigates his personal life, he appears to be open to new connections, continuing his journey following the end of his recent romance with Bennet.
