Donatella Versace Transitions to Chief Brand Ambassador Role
In a significant shift for the iconic Italian luxury brand, Donatella Versace has announced her resignation as chief creative officer of Versace. This news was confirmed in an exclusive interview with Business of Fashion on March 13, 2025. While stepping back from her creative leadership, Donatella will continue to be affiliated with the brand, taking on the position of chief brand ambassador.
Donatella’s Acknowledgment and Future Contributions
Expressing gratitude, Donatella shared her appreciation on Instagram:
“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.”
In her new role, Donatella aims to bolster the brand’s global presence, particularly through its philanthropic projects such as the Versace Foundation. Dario Vitale, who previously served as design and image director at Miu Miu, will be stepping in as her successor. Her statement about Vitale captures her enthusiasm:
“Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes.”
A Legacy Built on Family and Fashion
Donatella Versace was born in 1955 in Reggio di Calabria, Italy, into a family with deep roots in the fashion industry. Her mother, Francesca, was a skilled dressmaker, and her father, Antonio, worked as a salesman. The youngest of four siblings, Donatella’s connection with her brother Gianni was particularly influential in her career. Tragically, their sister Tina passed away at the age of 12 from a tetanus infection.
Gianni and Francesca played a pivotal role in nurturing Donatella’s passion for fashion from an early age, even prompting her to dye her hair blonde at age 11. After enrolling at the University of Florence in 1973 to study foreign languages with aspirations to become a teacher, Donatella often assisted Gianni in Milan, forging a strong familial and professional bond.
Stepping into Leadership and Transformational Challenges
In 1978, recognizing her talent, Gianni appointed Donatella as Vice President of Versace, where she oversaw fashion shows and advertising campaigns. However, it wasn’t until after Gianni’s tragic murder in 1997 that she assumed full control as CEO, chief creative officer, and artistic director, despite facing personal challenges including battles with addiction.
Throughout her tenure, Donatella has propelled Versace into the spotlight through high-profile advertising campaigns featuring stars like Madonna and Nicki Minaj and innovative ventures like the Palazzo Versace resorts. One of her most unforgettable achievements is the creation of Jennifer Lopez’s iconic green chiffon dress, showcased at Milan Fashion Week in 2000.
Financial Milestones and Influence
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Donatella’s fortune is estimated at around $400 million. Notably, in 2014, Versace sold a 20% stake to private equity firm Blackstone, which valued Donatella’s stake at approximately $280 million. Additionally, her daughter, inheriting a 50% stake, held assets worth about $700 million. In a landmark move, Donatella was instrumental in selling Versace to Michael Kors Holdings for $2.12 billion in 2018.
In a sign of her continued investment in personal and professional growth, Donatella acquired a lavish 15,000-square-foot mansion in Meina, Italy, for €5 million in 2019.
As Dario Vitale prepares to take the helm in April, the fashion world keenly anticipates the evolution of Versace under his leadership.