Dario Vitale
Creative Director, Giorgio Armani
The Italian designer, who will kick off a new aesthetic era at Emporio Armani, became one of the most hotly watched voices in fashion after a runway debut for Versace that sparked a debate about brand heritage.
Dario Vitale was named creative director for Emporio Armani as well as the accessories line of Giorgio Armani in September 2026, marking the company’s first major shakeup in design direction at Armani since its creation in 1975.
Vitale’s brief run at Versace in 2025, where he was creative director replacing Donatella Versace – and where, as for Armani, he was the first non-family member in the role – made a lasting impression. His Versace runway debut sparked conversations about the label’s heritage and identity, standing out as one of the most hotly-debated collections in a packed year of design debuts for the industry – and drawing praise from critics for bringing new energy to the fashion house.
Born in 1983 in Italy near Naples, Vitale studied fashion design at the Istituto Marangoni Milano. After completing the four-year Fashion Design programme in 2006, he began his career in the design studios of Italian houses Dsquared2 and Bottega Veneta. He joined Prada Group in 2010, where he spent around 15 years at Miu Miu, developing his design vocabulary and rising the ranks to head ready-to-wear design and brand image.
Vitale's one-season tenure at Versace abruptly ended in December 2025, following Prada Group’s acquisition of the Italian label from Capri Holdings.
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Latest News & Analysis
Why Armani Brought in Dario Vitale
The former Versace and Miu Miu designer, one of the industry’s most hotly watched voices, is set to open a new aesthetic era at Emporio Armani as well as oversee accessories at Giorgio Armani’s mainline. The appointment is the Italian fashion empire’s first creative shake-up since its founding.
Dario Vitale’s Versace Exit: The Backstory
Vitale may not be the right fit for Prada’s Versace strategy but a healthy fashion system depends on creative renewal powered by young talent, writes Imran Amed.
Why Prada Moved on From Dario Vitale (and What Comes Next for Versace)
The news that Versace’s designer is exiting the brand comes two days after Prada’s acquisition of the brand, confirming months of speculation. What will Versace do next?
What Happens for Luxury if AI Goes Bust?
Investors are worried about the scale and concentration of US’ AI investment ahead of Nvidia’s earnings Wednesday night. A correction would have big consequences for high-end brands. Plus: Kering’s leaked strategy memo, Azzedine Alaïa’s Dior archive, highlights from BoF VOICES.
Versace’s New Designer Knows Good Sex
Dario Vitale resurfaced long-lost depth and eroticism at the iconic Italian brand, triumphing over expectations for a muted show in the lead-up to a planned takeover by Prada Group, writes Robert Williams.
Opinion: How Red Carpet Teasers Damage Designer Debuts
When exposure-hungry fashion labels present garments out of context, to be devoured and judged with the speed and superficiality of social media, they destroy the very grammar of brand storytelling, writes Simone Cotellessa.
The Great Fashion Reset | Can Designer Revamps Save Fashion?
Brands are betting big on creative reboots across the luxury industry including Dior, Chanel, Gucci and more. But sticking the landing on an aesthetic refresh is easier said than done, and a new generation of creative directors face the same systemic challenges that stymied predecessors.
The BoF Podcast | Demna Takes Gucci, Versace’s New Chapter Begins
As Demna is set to become artistic director of Gucci, and Donatella Versace passes the baton to Dario Vitale after nearly three decades at the creative helm of Versace, the fashion industry is bracing for much-needed creative transformation. BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed and editor-at-large Tim Blanks unpack what this means for the wider industry.
Dario Vitale to Succeed Donatella Versace as Chief Creative Officer of Versace
Donatella Versace will become chief brand ambassador after nearly three decades at the creative helm of the label founded by her late brother Gianni.
This Week: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Miu Miu and Maybe Some News, Too
Some of the biggest and hottest luxury brands close out Paris Fashion Week, after which M&A and long-awaited designer appointments will again dominate the news cycle.
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The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
