4 Fun Facts About Dario Vitale, Versace's New Creative Director

In the ever-going revolving doors of fashion's creative directors, news about switch-ups becomes commonplace. But there's still reasonable shock when changes come unexpectedly, especially when swapping out creative directors that have held their posts for decades. That is exactly what happened in March when Versace announced that Donatella Versace would be stepping down and that Dario Vitale would take over.

This is a defining moment in the brand's history since it's the first time in nearly 50 years since the brand was founded in 1978 that neither founder Gianni nor Donatella Versace will have creative oversight of its collections. The Versace matriarch will be transitioning into a new role as the chief brand ambassador of Versace, where she will oversee the brand's philanthropic efforts.

“Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,” Donatella said in a statement, expressing her enthusiasm for Vitale to join the team and take over for her starting April 1. “I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes.”

Vitale was previously at Miu Miu, serving as the Design and Image Director. He joined Prada Group in 2010 and gradually worked his way from a fashion designer role to a creative leadership role, and had been with the company for 15 years until January 2025. A new era awaits the iconic Italian brand and fashion enthusiasts are waiting anxiously to see what Vitale will bring to the table. But who is he? What will inform his designs at Versace?

Keep scrolling to learn more about Vitale, including where he grew up, who his mentors have been, and how he navigates a private life in a very public industry.

Vitale's Designs Are Heavily Influenced by His Heritage

Dario Vitale was born in 1983 and grew up near Naples, Italy. The Italian designer studied at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy, and graduated in 2006 with a degree in fashion design. Following his graduation, Vitale worked at Dsquared2, a high-end fashion brand founded by twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten in 1995 in Milan. Vitale's Italian heritage is woven into his designs from the vivid colors and to ornate detailing. 

He Was an Apprentice of Tomas Maier

Vitale left Dsquared2 after a year, after an offer came in from Bottega Veneta that he couldn't refuse. At Bottega Veneta, Vitale worked under Tomas Maier, a German designer. Maier was the creative director for the Italian brand from 2001 to 2018. So, Vitale's time as an apprentice of Maier came at a pivotal time. The experience proved invaluable as he gained a better understanding and appreciation for luxury craftsmanship and established his principles for fashion design. 

His Creative Direction Reshaped Miu Miu

2010 was the year that everything changed for the Italian designer and luxury brand Miu Miu. Vitale started as a fashion designer working under Miuccia Prada and gradually rose in ranks to eventually be appointed the design director of ready-to-wear and the head image director. Vitale also had the opportunity to work alongside Fabio Zambernard, Miu Miu and Prada's former design director.

He played a highly influential role, redefining Miu Miu and introducing the brand to the contemporary fashion scene through his avant-garde lens. The Italian designer is behind major trends like the micro mini skirts from the Spring/Summer 2022 collection and Fall/Winter's 2023 librarian chic look. Miu Miu reported an astounding 93% retail growth in 2024 under Vitale's leadership. His tenure proved that he's an asset in any fashion arsenal.

He's An Enigma Outside of Fashion 

Vitale's life outside of fashion remains a mystery. His designs and his approach to designing are recognizable, but his personal life remains, for the most part, very private. He's achieved in maintaining a low profile despite his rapid rise as a fashion designer. Vitale rarely gives personal interviews, and, with nearly 40,000 followers, his social media account is definitionally desolate with zero posts.