Versace Without Donatella: Can The Brand Retain Its Sparkle Without Its Leading Lady? 🏰💎👠
The end of an era defined by bold glamour, powerful femininity, and an unapologetic embrace of excess. After nearly three decades at the helm of one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses, Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director of Versace.
Donatella took over the brand in 1997 after the tragic murder of her brother, Gianni Versace. Under her leadership, Versace remained a cultural powerhouse, dressing everyone from Beyoncé to Zendaya and reviving the legendary safety pin dress for a new generation. Her influence stretched beyond the runway, making Versace a staple on red carpets and pop culture moments alike.
While the brand will continue under Capri Holdings, which acquired Versace in 2018, the departure of Donatella raises questions: Can Versace retain its signature identity without her? Will a new creative vision breathe fresh life into the house, or will it struggle without its leading woman?
Dario Vitale, Miu Miu’s former design and image director, will take over in early April- and his track record speaks for itself. Miu Miu has demonstrated remarkable sales growth in recent years. In the third quarter of 2024, Miu Miu's revenue surged by 105% to €324 million, contributing to a 97% increase in sales. With Vitale in charge of Miu Miu’s brand image and collections, their luxurious competition was quickly surpassed.
Last year, however, Versace’s sales weakened, dropping the brand’s revenue by 15% to $193 million. With Miu Miu’s recent explosive growth, there’s hope that his fresh perspective could revitalise Versace’s sales and aesthetic direction.
But beyond the business side, will Versace still embody the power and sensuality Donatella infused into every collection? Change in fashion is inevitable, but some departures leave a void. Donatella’s influence isn’t just about clothes—it’s about attitude, presence, and a vision that shaped generations. As she said in her farewell, she’s excited to see Versace 'through new eyes.’ The question is, will fashion lovers feel the same?
