Donatella Versace steps down as creative director of brand founded by her brother Gianni amid 'issues' with fashion giant's owner Capri Holdings

Donatella Versace is no longer the head of the fashion empire created by her brother Gianni due to issues with the company that acquired the brand in 2018.

She has stepped down from her position as creative director, which she has held since her brother’s passing in 1997. Dario Vitale has taken over the role seven years after Capri Holdings bought Versace.

Her departure was announced on Instagram, with the revelation that she will become the chief brand ambassador starting April 1, a position considered less significant compared to her previous role as the flamboyant face of the brand according to fashion experts.

‘In her new role she will dedicate herself to the support of Versace’s philanthropic and charitable endeavours and remain an advocate for the brand globally.’

Speaking of her exit, Donatella, 69, said: ‘Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. It’s been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius but I hope to have some of his spirit and tenacity.’

Sources close to both parties say that things have been ‘very difficult’ between Donatella and Capri for some time despite her being hailed as the saviour of the brand by attracting A list celebrities to wear her clothes and post about them on Instagram.

In the last year alone Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter have worn the designs, as well as Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga.

Her following consists of new talent like Lil Nas X, Taylor, Miley Cyrus, K-Pop Stars as well as Hollywood legends who she continues to work with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Sir Elton John and Cher.

Donatella Versace was also among the guests during a dinner at Highgrove House on February 7 hosted by King Charles ahead of his Italian state visit

Donatella Versace was also among the guests during a dinner at Highgrove House on February 7 hosted by King Charles ahead of his Italian state visit

Versace has left her role as the boss of the fashion giant founded by her brother Gianni

 Versace has left her role as the boss of the fashion giant founded by her brother Gianni

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace (right) and US singer Jennifer Lopez

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace (right) and US singer Jennifer Lopez

She also designed the iconic green Versace silk chiffon dress which Jennifer Lopez wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23 2000 and rewore it in 2019.

Donatella is the most followed fashion designer in the world on social media with over 12 million followers

One source close to Donatella told the Mail: ‘Versace now faces an enormous risk without her. Versace is now Donatella-less Versace and that now begs the question that without her designs and relationships with talent, who will wear the brand now?

‘She has had a huge cultural impact in the fashion world that she has even watched her own creations have a rebirth, like JLo’s green dress

‘Donatella has always been the curator of talent around Versace – she brought in Madonna, Whitney and others during the Gianni era and continues to do that to this day – truly a pop culture barometer. How many female designers have grown a company that is worth $2.1 billion dollars?

‘No one can dispute that Gianni was a genius – but also no one can dispute Donatella’s success with Versace after her brother’s passing.’

Speaking of replacing Donatella, former Miu Miu design director said: ‘I am truly honored to join Versace as the chief creative officer and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury house created by Gianni and Donatella.

Donatella Versace is seen with her older brother Gianni in 1993 before he was killed

Donatella Versace is seen with her older brother Gianni in 1993 before he was killed

Gianni died in July 1997 after being shot in the head while climbing the steps of his Miami Beach mansion aged 50

Donatella Versace at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party earlier this month

Donatella Versace at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party earlier this month

Donatella Versace (pictured in 1993) took over as the head of design for the Versace label in 1997

Donatella Versace (pictured in 1993) took over as the head of design for the Versace label in 1997

‘The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. 

‘I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. 

‘It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.’

Gianni died in July 1997 after being shot in the head while climbing the steps of his Miami Beach mansion aged 50.

You May Also Like

Todd and Julie Chrisley freed from jail following a contentious pardon by Trump

Todd and Julie Chrisley have officially been released from prison just one…

Government detains many undocumented immigrants on island for wealthy individuals, causing governor’s dismay

ICE agents conducted a raid on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, leading to…

Former Assistant Accuses Sean Combs of Multiple Sexual Assaults

One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former employees testified on Thursday that Combs…

Alert: Woman’s Missing Car Discovered Deserted in Isolated Location, Authorities Request Information

Police in California are searching for a missing woman last spotted near…

The words Donald Trump used to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley are shared by their daughter, exposing his real feelings.

DONALD Trump has defended his controversial plan to pardon multimillionaire fraudsters Todd…

China fills naval bases with nuclear bombers, alarming satellite images reveal – US cautions that Xi may take control of Taiwanese islands

CHINA has deployed its most dangerous nuke bombers to a tiny but…

“Tate Brothers, Accused of Rape and Trafficking, Face Charges in Britain”

Two self-proclaimed misogynists, Andrew and Tristan Tate, have been accused in the…

Smokey Robinson counter-sues for $500 million following allegations from ex-housekeepers alleging sexual assault.

Musical icon Smokey Robinson has taken legal action in Los Angeles following…

Exploring the White House’s troubled past with drugs: Obama’s admission and staff misconduct uncovered as Biden investigates

AN investigation into cocaine found in the White House is unearthing previous…

British Army veteran, 73, Faces £20,000 NHS Bill After Heart Attack in Ethiopian Desert

A British Army veteran has been left stuck with a £20,000 NHS…

The Reason Bonnie and Clyde are Still Not Buried Together | Bonnie’s Niece Struggles to Honor Their Last Request

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum talks…

“Two Additional Villages at Risk of Destruction following Glacier’s Catastrophic Collapse in Switzerland”

At least two more Swiss villages are under threat of being wiped…