Versace creative director leaves shortly after fashion house's $1.4bn sale to Prada

"Prada said it would announce a replacement in due course. The company said it and Vitale have mutually agreed to part ways effective from 12 December, adding in a statement provided to Vogue Business: We would like to sincerely thank Dario for his outstanding contribution to the development of the brand's creative strategy during this transition period, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors."

"The Business of Fashion website argued that Vitale, a hire under Capri's tenure, was not felt to be a good fit to lead Versace by its new owners. Prada's chief executive, Andrea Guerra, had avoided questions about him on investor calls. Prada's leadership seemed unconvinced that he could jump from a behind-the-scenes role to a highly visible creative directorship, or that his taste was a match, Business of Fashion reported."

Dario Vitale departed Versace less than nine months after becoming creative director, with the exit effective 12 December. The departure came two days after Prada completed a $1.4bn purchase of Versace, and Prada said it will name a replacement in due course. Versace and Vitale mutually agreed to part ways, and the company thanked him for his contribution to the brand's creative strategy during the transition. Observers suggested the new owners questioned whether Vitale could move from a behind-the-scenes role to a highly visible creative directorship and whether his aesthetic aligned with the brand. Vitale had left Miu Miu in March to join Versace.

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