The New Era Of Donatella Versace: 5 Shocking Changes To Her Role And The Brand In 2025

Donatella Versace has always been the fiery, platinum-blonde soul of the Versace empire, but as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, her role has fundamentally changed. After nearly three decades as the Creative Director, the legendary designer has stepped back from the day-to-day design helm, ushering in a new chapter for both herself and the iconic Italian fashion house. This seismic shift, which saw her transition to a powerful new position, marks the biggest change in the brand's creative leadership since the tragic passing of her brother, Gianni Versace, in 1997. The current date is December 18, 2025, and the fashion world is still adjusting to the new creative direction while celebrating Donatella’s enduring influence. She is no longer the sole creative voice, but rather the ultimate global face and strategic ambassador, a role that leverages her unparalleled celebrity connections and industry legacy. This strategic move aims to solidify the brand's future under its parent company, Capri Holdings, ensuring the Medusa logo remains a symbol of bold, unapologetic luxury for the next generation.

Donatella Versace: A New Chapter and Complete Biography

The Italian fashion icon's transition from Creative Director to Chief Brand Ambassador in early 2024 was a pivotal moment, shifting her focus from runway collections to global strategy, philanthropy, and high-profile celebrity engagements. This new role allows her to act as the ultimate guardian of the Versace legacy.

• Full Name: Donatella Francesca Versace
• Date of Birth: May 2, 1955
• Age (as of 2025): 70
• Place of Birth: Reggio Calabria, Italy
• Siblings: Gianni Versace (late founder) and Santo Versace (Chairman)
• Children: Allegra Versace Beck and Daniel Versace Beck
• Former Spouse: Paul Beck (married 1983, later divorced)
• Career Timeline Highlights:
  • 1997: Becomes Creative Director of Versace after Gianni's death.
  • 2018: Oversees the sale of Versace to Capri Holdings (then Michael Kors Holdings).
  • March 2024: Steps down as Creative Director.
  • April 2024 (Present Role): Assumes the role of Chief Brand Ambassador and continues as a Vice President of the company board.
• Current Status: Chief Brand Ambassador, Vice President of the Board, and part-owner of the Versace brand.

The Five Major Shifts Defining Donatella’s 2025 Influence

The "Donatella Versace now" narrative is defined by a series of strategic changes that have redefined her professional life and the creative structure of the luxury house. These moves ensure her influence remains paramount while allowing fresh creative energy to flourish.

1. The Transition to Chief Brand Ambassador

In March 2024, Donatella Versace stepped down as Creative Director, a position she had held for 27 years, and transitioned into the role of Chief Brand Ambassador. This was not a retirement, but a strategic promotion that re-focuses her immense talent. Her responsibilities now center on safeguarding the brand's image, guiding its cultural relevance, and overseeing key strategic initiatives, particularly in philanthropy and red carpet dressing. This new role capitalizes on her personal relationships with A-list celebrities and her global recognition. She remains the most visible face of the brand, ensuring that the spirit of Gianni Versace’s original vision—a mix of high glamour, rock-and-roll edge, and Italian craftsmanship—is maintained across all product lines, from ready-to-wear to Versace Home and Atelier Versace. Her presence at major 2024 events, such as the Kering for Women Dinner in September, highlighted her continued high-level engagement in the fashion and business world.

2. A New Creative Director Takes the Helm

The void left by Donatella’s departure as Creative Director was filled by Dario Vitale in April 2024. Vitale, who previously held a senior design role at Miu Miu, brings a fresh perspective to the house. This appointment is a clear signal from parent company Capri Holdings that they are aiming for a new creative evolution while maintaining the core Versace DNA. Vitale’s challenge is immense: to modernize the brand’s aesthetic—known for its bold prints, chainmail, and iconic Medusa head logo—without alienating its loyal customer base. Donatella's continued presence as Chief Brand Ambassador acts as a powerful bridge, offering guidance and ensuring a smooth, authentic transition. This dual-leadership structure is key to the brand’s stability and growth strategy for 2025.

3. Navigating the Complex Corporate Landscape

The business structure of Versace is a major part of the "Donatella Versace now" story. The brand is owned by the American luxury conglomerate Capri Holdings, which also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. In 2024, the business made headlines due to a proposed acquisition by Tapestry Inc. (owner of Coach), a deal that was blocked by a preliminary injunction. Donatella's influence in this corporate environment is crucial. As a Vice President on the board and a significant minority shareholder, she plays a vital role in strategic decision-making. Her commitment is to ensure the brand’s Italian heart and creative independence are protected, regardless of its corporate ownership. The brand's performance, showcased by collections like the Fall-Winter 2024 campaign, is directly tied to the success of Capri Holdings on the New York Stock Exchange.

4. The Enduring Power of Atelier Versace

Even with the change in Creative Director, Donatella’s personal touch remains most visible in Atelier Versace, the house’s high-fashion, custom-made division. This is where her new focus on red carpet dressing shines. In 2024, Atelier Versace continued to dominate major events, crafting custom looks for A-list celebrities at the Oscars 2024, including Best Actor winner Cillian Murphy. This division is a critical part of the brand’s image, generating buzz and reinforcing its status at the pinnacle of luxury. Donatella’s direct involvement ensures that the most exclusive, visibility-driving pieces carry her signature aesthetic of glamour and precision.

5. Focusing on Legacy and Mentorship

Donatella’s new role allows her to step back from the relentless cycle of designing Milan Fashion Week collections and focus on her legacy and the next generation. Her daughter, Allegra Versace Beck, who inherited a significant stake in the company, continues to be a key figure in the family's oversight of the brand. The designer is now free to mentor the next wave of talent and dedicate more time to initiatives that align with her personal values, such as the aforementioned philanthropy. By stepping into the Chief Brand Ambassador role, Donatella is ensuring that the Versace name—synonymous with high-octane luxury and the powerful Medusa emblem—will thrive long after her direct creative involvement has ceased, cementing her place not just as a designer, but as a fashion titan and cultural icon.