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
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
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
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 (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.
