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Versace names Dario Vitale its new creative chief as Donatella becomes brand ambassador

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And the merry-go-round of creative directors continues. On Thursday, Capri Holdings announced big news — Versace’s chief creative officer Donatella Versace is stepping down from that role and will assume the new role of chief brand ambassador.

Dario Vitale – ph Stef Mitchell – Lowres

Stepping into her shoes? Capri CEO John D Idol said that “Dario Vitale will be joining the House of Versace as its new chief creative officer. He is a strong design leader, and we are confident that his talent and vision will be instrumental to Versace’s future growth”. 

Formerly design and image director at Miu Miu, he takes up the post on 1 April with his predecessor saying that “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”.

There was no mention of the possible sale by Capri of the Versace business nor of whether Prada might end up as its eventual owner. It’s certainly interesting that Vitale comes from Prada-owned label Miu Miu. Reports earlier this month suggested Prada was moving closer to a deal to buy it for almost €1.5 billion.

Vitale himself said he’s “truly honoured to join Versace… and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury House created by Gianni and Donatella. 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.”

It’s a big change for the business with Donatella having been in creative control since the death of her brother and label founder Gianni Versace in 1997.

She will now “dedicate herself to the support of Versace’s philanthropic and charitable endeavours and will remain an advocate for the brand globally”.

Donatella Versace
Donatella Versace

Clearly the company isn’t one that favours a rapid turnover of creative directors and Capri chief Idol added that the latest changes are “part of a thoughtful succession plan for Versace”.

Donatella also said: “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. It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as chief brand ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”

Meanwhile CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger paid tribute to the outgoing creative chief and her successor, saying: “Versace is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the passion she has brought to her role every day for nearly 30 years. I am confident in the company and where it stands today, as we are well-prepared for the organisation to write this new chapter for the house. Dario Vitale is a rare talent, who deeply respects the essence and values of Versace and clearly understands it’s growth potential. We are convinced that his experience and vision will bring a new perspective to the brand.”

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Freemans unveils Holiday Shop early with Myleene Klass as its star

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Earlier this week, Freemans told us how it had a successful Christmas season after launching its festive marketing very early. And it looks like it wants to repeat the feat with its Holiday season.

The e-tailer has unveiled its sunshine season shop and marketing plan even though the UK weather is still very chilly. Its Holiday Shop has just launched and, importantly, should be able to make the most of Britons planning Easter getaways.

And while Sophie Ellis-Bextor was (and will be) the star of its recent/forthcoming AW and Christmas campaigns, for Holiday, Myleene Klass — broadcaster, musician and campaigner for women and children — is the latest well-known name to work with the digital department store.

The 46-year-old is the face of Freemans’ Holiday Shop that includes the exclusive Lascana range (sourced from parent company The Otto Group). It has just launched online. 

Lascana offers a comprehensive and inclusive range (sizes 6 to 28) and the wider Holiday Shop offers up to 6,000 SKUs, the largest to date for the e-tailer. As well as Freemans exclusives including the aforementioned Lascana and value offer Bonprix, third-party brands include Accessorize, Fantasie, Freya, Miraclesuit, Pour Moi, Birkenstock, Linzi, Monsoon, and AX Paris, among others.

Freemans last year announced a shift in strategy to reach new audiences targeting the 40+ female shopper. The aim was to positioning its self as a ‘style ally’, to a consumer group who research constantly showed feel neglected.

Ellis-Bextor was the first signing based on the new strategy and Freemans said Klass’s signing “signals the continuation of this strategy, using age appropriate, relatable celebrities to help inspire, inform and educate as to the digital department store’s offer”.

It believes Holiday Shop “presents a large opportunity for Freemans” with its new star helping to “showcase the retailer’s difference”.

The Freemans team and Klass flew to one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, Majorca, for a shoot that covered various locations including the beach, a holiday villa and a pool. She wore a selection of swimwear, vest tops, printed palazzo pants, animal print dresses, shirtdresses and jumpsuits, all from the Freemans exclusive Lascana range.

CEO Ann Steer said: “The evolution of the brand continues at pace. It’s essential that we develop ways to stay front of mind with customers old and new. Myleene helps to continue that momentum and it’s great to have her on board.”

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Giorgio Armani debuts in Saudi Arabia as Diriyah Company launches Armani Residences Diriyah

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Translated by

Nazia BIBI KEENOO

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March 14, 2025

The expansion of fashion and luxury brands into premium real estate continues. Today, Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company announced the debut of Giorgio Armani‘s design studio in Saudi luxury real estate with the launch of Armani Residences Diriyah, located in the iconic “City of Earth” on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The announcement was made during Diriyah Company’s participation in MIPIM—the international urban environment festival—in Cannes.

These 15 exclusive residences will feature bespoke interiors curated by Giorgio Armani, who has reinterpreted Najdi architecture with a contemporary approach to celebrate Diriyah’s centuries-old heritage.

Armani Residences Diriyah

The residences, located in Diriyah Square, will be next to the future Armani Hotel Diriyah, which began construction in November 2024. The hotel will offer 70 luxury rooms, two fine-dining restaurants, and a premium spa, with suites featuring private spa areas and pools.

The residences will be divided into three distinct design concepts—The Palm Residences, The Botanical Residences, and The Royal Penthouses—ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 square meters. Each residence will include three ensuite suites, elegant living and dining areas, family spaces, a library, and a private pool.

A striking staircase will connect the individual residences called the “Tower of Light” and will be fully furnished and accessorized by Armani/Casa, including custom-designed kitchens and bathrooms. They will also feature a lobby, a private elevator, and direct access from a reserved underground parking area.

The Royal Penthouses will offer exclusive outdoor spaces, including private pools, a yoga terrace, cabanas, and barbecue areas in all upper-level units framed by meticulously designed gardens and landscaped terraces.

Armani Residences Diriyah
Armani Residences Diriyah

Residents will have access to the premium services of the Armani Hotel Diriyah, including a pool, gym, Business Lounge, Armani Study, and in-house dining services. Additionally, they will benefit from a range of included services under an annual fee, such as 24/7 concierge, valet parking, complimentary buggy service between the residence and hotel, a dedicated management team, and routine maintenance, including daily private pool cleaning.

Homeowners will enjoy exclusive privileges, including priority reservations at Armani restaurants, cafés, and hotels worldwide, a dedicated Armani/Casa consultant for shopping and personalized design advice, invitations to special Armani/Casa events, and priority access to new Armani/Casa product launches.

Armani Residences is the latest addition to the prestigious Diriyah-branded collection, which already includes Baccarat Residences Diriyah, Corinthia Residences Diriyah, Raffles Residences Diriyah, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Diriyah, and The Ritz-Carlton Signature Collection Diriyah, totaling 300 luxury residences.

Armani Residences Diriyah
Armani Residences Diriyah

Founded in 2022, Diriyah Company is part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) giga-project portfolio and is responsible for developing Diriyah, positioning Diriyah Square as a hub of luxury and hospitality. The company is exploring further opportunities to introduce new Armani-branded experiences to the City of Earth and expand dining, retail, and lifestyle offerings.

Armani Residences Diriyah is part of Diriyah Company’s residential strategy. Once completed, it will accommodate over 100,000 people, including workers, students, and visitors, across a diverse mix of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, education, and residential spaces. The initial openings include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh’s new premium dining hub with over 20 international and local restaurants overlooking At-Turaif, and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel offering an exclusive experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah.

What exactly is Diriyah? It is Saudi Arabia’s leading historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination and key to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Riyadh, this 14 km² area holds unique historical significance as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, with origins dating back to 1727. Diriyah is transforming into a mixed-use urban community in authentic Najdi style. At the heart of the project is At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, preserving the ancient mud-brick capital of the First Saudi State, which dates back to 1766.

Armani Residences Diriyah
Armani Residences Diriyah

Established over 25 years ago, Armani/Casa is a luxury home décor brand born from Giorgio Armani’s vision of creating a warm, harmonious, highly comfortable, and sophisticated retreat. Today, Armani/Casa offers everything from furniture and accessories to fabrics, wallpapers, and kitchen and bathroom systems.

Since 2004, the Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio has provided comprehensive interior design services for private clients and real estate developers. Its portfolio includes residences in cities such as Miami, London, Beijing, Tel Aviv, Manila, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Mexico City. Armani/Casa operates in 29 countries worldwide and has 40 retail locations.

Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.



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Kering shares down 10% after Demna named Gucci designer

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Reuters

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March 14, 2025

Kering shares tanked on Friday morning after the group led by François-Henri Pinault chose to bet on subversive in-house talent Demna to reinvigorate its Gucci label rather than hiring a big-ticket name from fashion’s overheating job market. Shares fell by around 10% in early Paris session trade, underperforming French luxury peers, which were trading flat following the news.

Kering shares fall 10% after Gucci names Demna creative director. – Reuters

Analysts at Jefferies said the appointment of the Georgian former Balenciaga designer came as a surprise, while J.P. Morgan analysts called the move a “controversial choice,” citing early feedback on social media and fashion blogs and a “question mark” now hanging over the brand’s creative future.

The appointment of Gucci’s next design chief was the fashion world’s most-awaited news in recent weeks after Gucci fired Italian designer Sabato De Sarno after less than two years in the role.

The house’s prolonged sales decline, including a revenue drop of 24% in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, has heavily weighed on Kering in the past months. Group shares are down around 40% year-on-year, while a European sector benchmark index is down close to 6% over the same period.

© Thomson Reuters 2025 All rights reserved.



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