Dario Vitale’s Bold Versace Debut Steals the Spotlight at Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week witnessed history on 26 September as Dario Vitale unveiled his debut collection for Versace, marking the first time in 47 years that the brand’s runway wasn’t creatively directed by either Gianni or Donatella Versace. The show, staged at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, was nothing short of audacious — a powerful blend of high-octane glamour, archival homage, and daring modernity.
The invitation itself hinted at drama, penned as a poetic love letter by curator David Rimanelli. And when the curtain rose, Vitale transformed the Renaissance gallery into a surreal fashion playground filled with everyday objects — an unmade bed, a hairdryer on folded towels, pots and pans — setting the stage for a collection that was sensual, undone, and unapologetically bold.
A Collection Rooted in Legacy, Reimagined for Today
Vitale drew heavily from the ’80s Gianni Versace era, reinterpreting archival codes with a rebellious edge. Jersey dresses that teased between elegance and provocation, chainmail tops paired with prim cardigans, undone belts, and raw-cut muscle tees created a narrative of imperfection as beauty. As he explained backstage: “It’s beautiful and bourgeois, but not always proper. Not everything is perfect — and that’s the point.”
The Stakes and the Spotlight
This debut was more than just a runway show. It was the first collection under the Prada Group, which acquired Versace earlier this year for €1.25 billion. With Donatella Versace stepping into a new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, all eyes were on Vitale to prove that the house could thrive in a new era.
Fashion’s First Reactions
Industry voices were quick to praise the collection:
- “Dario Vitale has opened a new chapter of Versace. It was intimate and warm, generous and spontaneous, fun and audacious,” said one prominent buyer.
- Vogue Runway’s Nicole Phelps noted the provocative styling and fearless energy, calling the debut “sexy and undone — Versace at its rawest.”
What’s Next for Versace?
Beyond the runway, Vitale’s vision already shows promise. His red-carpet styling at the Venice Film Festival and the viral SS26 teaser campaign proved his ability to connect heritage with cultural buzz. With the Prada Group backing and a global fanbase waiting, Versace’s new era under Vitale has officially begun — bold, unpredictable, and unmissable.
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