Thu Mar 13 15:27:13 UTC 2025: ## Versace’s Donatella Steps Down After Nearly 30 Years, Prada Acquisition Looms

**Milan, Italy** – After nearly three decades at the helm, Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director of Versace. The iconic fashion house announced Thursday that Miu Miu’s Dario Vitale will succeed her, taking the reins on April 1st. Donatella, 69, will transition to the role of chief brand ambassador.

The change comes amidst swirling speculation that Prada is in advanced talks to acquire Versace for a reported €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion). While Prada executives have remained tight-lipped, the acquisition would mark a significant shift in the Italian luxury landscape. Capri Holdings Limited, Versace’s current owner, purchased the brand in 2018 for €1.83 billion.

Donatella Versace, known for her platinum blonde hair and close ties to the brand founded by her brother Gianni, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue her brother’s legacy. She stated that while the role has been “the greatest honor of my life,” she looks forward to supporting Versace in a new capacity, focusing on philanthropic endeavors.

Vitale, whose leadership at Miu Miu significantly boosted the brand’s retail growth (93% in 2022), is considered a rising star in the industry, though relatively unknown to the general public. He praised Versace’s unique heritage and expressed his excitement to lead the brand into its next chapter.

The move ends decades of family control over Versace’s creative direction. Donatella, who took over after Gianni’s death in 1997, had no formal fashion training but built the brand into a global powerhouse known for its glamorous, often revealing designs and its instantly recognizable Medusa logo. Her tenure included iconic moments like Jennifer Lopez’s unforgettable green Grammys dress in 2000.

The Versace brand, which now includes hotels and homeware alongside its core fashion and accessories lines, operates 230 boutiques and over 400 licensed stores worldwide. Industry experts had previously speculated Vitale might be tapped to lead Gucci after the departure of Sabato de Sarno earlier this year.

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