As the wealthy elite of fashion high society flocked to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana for the debut Versace collection from Dario Vitale, one person was absent. Donatella Versace opted to skip the show, instead attending a celebration for the launch of Cinemoda Club, a film series presented by Vogue Italia and Kering.
According to The New York Time’s Vanessa Friedman, Versace’s absence was intentional, with a spokesperson saying it was so she wouldn’t steal the spotlight.
Vitale is the first designer for the Versace brand who isn’t a direct member of the Versace family since its founding in 1978. Previously, the house had only been led by the late Gianni Versace and his sister Donatella. Donatella remains the Global Ambassador for the brand.
Vitale was named creative director following the announcement that Versace was acquired by the Prada Group for $1.375 billion back in April 2025. Previously, Vitale served as creative director of Miu Miu, also owned by the Prada Group.
Vitale, a native Italian, is very familiar with the Versace brand.
“It’s something that belongs to culture. It’s something that you know by heart,’’ he said. “That’s the beauty of this brand, everyone has a soft spot for this brand because it is really like Coca-Cola.”
The show in question has been praised as a new step for the Versace brand, while also paying homage to its opulent origins. Vitale explained the show, saying, “Mythology started when gods and goddesses were a bit bored of having affairs with themselves, so they descended Mount Olympus to walk among men. It’s not just about an evening gown to the floor.” He added, “We make it a little more real. I have a lot of friends who would die to wear an embroidered leather vest, but to go to the disco club, not to go to the Met.”
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