Versace Creative Director Dario Vitale Departing After Just One Season Amid $1.4 Billion Sale to Prada
In a stunning turn of events, Versace creative director Dario Vitale is leaving the brand just nine months after taking on the role, and less than two days after its acquisition by rival Italian fashion house Prada for a whopping $1.4 billion. The news comes as a shock to the fashion world, with many speculating that Vitale's departure was inevitable.
Vitale's tenure at Versace has been marked by controversy, with some praising his bold designs and others finding them chaotic. His spring/summer 2026 show was a talking point in fashion circles, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others condemning it as a mess. The influential Instagram account @boringnotcom even predicted Vitale's departure back in July, saying "I told you so".
The decision to part ways with Vitale has been described by Prada as an amicable one, with the company stating that they wish him all the best for his future endeavors. However, insiders suggest that Vitale's leadership style was not seen as a good fit for Versace under its new owners.
Vitale's departure is just the latest in a string of high-profile creative director shake-ups at luxury fashion brands. Olivier Rousteing, who left Balmain after 14 years, and Kim Jones, who departed from Fendi and Dior earlier this year, are both reportedly free agents and could be in line to take on Vitale's role.
The acquisition of Versace by Prada is seen as a strategic move by the company to become a luxury fashion powerhouse rivaling existing French conglomerates LVMH and Kering. With its purchase of Versace, Prada hopes to tap into the brand's rich history and iconic status, while also bringing a fresh perspective to the table.
As for Vitale, he will be taking on new challenges in the coming months, having parted ways with Capri Holdings' Miu Miu earlier this year. His future plans remain unclear, but one thing is certain - his departure from Versace marks an end to an era at the brand that many are eager to see unfold.
In a stunning turn of events, Versace creative director Dario Vitale is leaving the brand just nine months after taking on the role, and less than two days after its acquisition by rival Italian fashion house Prada for a whopping $1.4 billion. The news comes as a shock to the fashion world, with many speculating that Vitale's departure was inevitable.
Vitale's tenure at Versace has been marked by controversy, with some praising his bold designs and others finding them chaotic. His spring/summer 2026 show was a talking point in fashion circles, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others condemning it as a mess. The influential Instagram account @boringnotcom even predicted Vitale's departure back in July, saying "I told you so".
The decision to part ways with Vitale has been described by Prada as an amicable one, with the company stating that they wish him all the best for his future endeavors. However, insiders suggest that Vitale's leadership style was not seen as a good fit for Versace under its new owners.
Vitale's departure is just the latest in a string of high-profile creative director shake-ups at luxury fashion brands. Olivier Rousteing, who left Balmain after 14 years, and Kim Jones, who departed from Fendi and Dior earlier this year, are both reportedly free agents and could be in line to take on Vitale's role.
The acquisition of Versace by Prada is seen as a strategic move by the company to become a luxury fashion powerhouse rivaling existing French conglomerates LVMH and Kering. With its purchase of Versace, Prada hopes to tap into the brand's rich history and iconic status, while also bringing a fresh perspective to the table.
As for Vitale, he will be taking on new challenges in the coming months, having parted ways with Capri Holdings' Miu Miu earlier this year. His future plans remain unclear, but one thing is certain - his departure from Versace marks an end to an era at the brand that many are eager to see unfold.
. I mean, Prada knew what they were getting into when they bought Versace for $1.4 billion 
. They wanted a fashion powerhouse, not some hot mess express 
. Don't get me wrong, Vitale's designs are... interesting 
, but sometimes less is more, you know? I'm just waiting to see what Prada does next with the brand. Maybe they'll tone it down a notch and make Versace appealing to a wider audience 
. The fashion world will be watching closely, that's for sure 
he was supposed to revolutionize the brand 
but it looks like prada is gonna steer it in a different direction 
hope vitale finds his next gig soon 
and good luck to him 
But seriously, it's like the fashion world is constantly on edge, waiting for the next big thing (or person) to shake things up.
It's like, I get it, fashion is an investment, but come on!
. vitale's got some big shoes to fill over at miu miu now too... fingers crossed he finds a new passion project that suits him better 
.
I'm literally shook about Dario Vitale leaving Versace! Like, what just happened? 
but others were like, what is this?! 
he deserves another chance at greatness! 
. But at the same time, Prada's got big plans and this acquisition is all about building their luxury empire 
. Can't wait to see what they do next... or where Vitale ends up 
but imo it's about time something changed at that brand they were so boring and predictable anyway vitale has some major connections and ill be keeping an eye out to see what he does next maybe he'll even come back stronger than ever 
...he was always so bold and crazy with his designs, u know? 
. Still, can't deny the drama that came with his time at Versace 
. I'm all about fresh perspectives now tho 
...Prada needs someone to shake things up! 
but hey, his designs were always a bit polarizing, some people loved him, others hated him. i'm kinda sad to see him go, he did some cool stuff for versace, especially that spring/summer 2026 show... 
... I mean, he had some great ideas for Versace, and his shows were always talked about in fashion circles. But, like, it's all good, he'll find another gig soon, right? 
I mean, who wouldn't want to leave a job that's already proving to be too much for you? It's like he said "you know what, this is too crazy" and just bailled. 
, one season in and already out the door 
I mean, I loved his spring/summer show, but then again, some people thought it was, like, totally baffling 
.
. But for now, I'm just gonna sit back, relax, and enjoy the drama 
.
Vitale's departure is like, super interesting, especially with all these other fashion directors jumping ship 
... I mean, I've seen some mixed reviews of his designs, but he's definitely brought a new energy to the brand 
. And can we talk about the deal itself? $1.4 billion is insane 
.