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On Thursday, March 13, Versace announced that Donatella Versace, the brand's creative director for the past 28 years, will step down as its Chief Creative Director, effective April 1. She will be succeeded by Dario Vitale, the former creative designer of Mui Mui, a brand under the fashion house Prada.
This news was shared via Versace and Donatella Versace's official Instagram accounts with the caption:
"Championing the next generation of designers have always been important to me. I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades."
The caption continued:
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy. He was the true genius but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, I will remain Versace's most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart."
The post garnered a long trail of reactions as netizens took to the comments section to celebrate Donatella Versace and all the heights she achieved for the brand.
One netizen, @gersonlirio, commented,
"Legend! You built an amazing legacy."
More comments echoed this sentiment. As the post was responded to by many fans of the brand and Donatella.
"Your legacy at Versace is timeless, you will always be our icon," @hyunjinietr commented.
"Our Queen-then and now and forever! You are the embodiment of Versace and nothing will change that. You are a legend, an icon and your legacy is incredible. Thank you so much! I love you and I'm proud of you," @katherine_katherinee replied.
"Donatella is the lifeblood of Versace; the company without her will not be the same. Donatella Queen of Versace," @the.amazing_boy added.
Donatella's legacy at Versace is obvious with the way more comments poured in, applauding her for being a legend in the fashion world.
"I love you, Donatella. You have always been my inspiration. Your legacy at Versace is remarkable. You must be proud of yourself." @d.andressalopes expressed.
"We LOVE you @donatella_versace. Thank you for your contribution to culture and society. Thank you for ALL of your sacrifices and love poured into the Versace legacy. May you continue to flourish and enjoy the rewards of your labour." @warren_the_lion replied.
"You are the emblem of a brand that changed the history of fashion, a strong and determined woman who was alone in a difficult time and knew alone to lead the company to a global giant. You are and will remain a Calabrian with balls." @gennaropiscopoimmagini added.
Other netizens expressed how she was able to fill Gianni's big shoes, stating that her brother would be proud of her.
"There's no Versace without Donatella. You've filled Gianni's shoes perfectly and with respect. He's proud out there. And be proud of yourself. You are THE LEGEND." @bartek.fetysz stated.
"The legacy you continued is incredible!! You should be so proud, and I'm sure Gianni is too! Thank you for inspiring me & so many of us to be designers!! DONATELLA VERSACE forever," @hayden_williams commented.
"Gianni was always so proud of you. You carry his torch with great aplomb! Always an inspiration to us...." @thejeannebeker added.
More details on Donatella Versace's time as the Chief Creative Director of Versace
The Versace brand was founded in 1978, and Donatella was its vice president. She collaborated with her brother, Gianni, who was the founder, on a large number of projects, including styling, designing, and creating Versace's image.
After Gianni's murder in July 1997, Donatella took over as the creative director, delivering a comeback in July 1998, just one year and three days after her brother passed away. Since then, Donatella has designed numerous brand campaigns, working with celebrities like Beyoncé, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Demi Moore, and Nicki Minaj, to mention a few.
Read more: 7 best Donatella Versace's fashion moments
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From 1978 to 1997, Donatella Versace served as the brand's vice president. From 1997 to 2004, she was the Chief Executive Officer, and from 1997 to 2025, she built a legacy as the Creative Director of Versace, preceded by her brother Gianni.
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