Dario Vitale Named Creative Director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories
After months of speculation surrounding his next move, Dario Vitale has officially joined the Armani Group as Creative Director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories.
The appointment, effective immediately, marks a significant moment for the Armani Group, as Vitale becomes the first designer outside the Armani family to take on the creative leadership role.
Vitale’s arrival comes as the company enters a new chapter following the death of founder Giorgio Armani. The designer’s longtime partner, Leo Dell’Orco, now oversees the men’s division and serves as chairman of the group’s board, while Silvana Armani leads womenswear design.
Despite Vitale’s immediate appointment, the upcoming Emporio Armani Spring 2027 men’s and women’s collections, set to be presented September 24 at Armani/Teatro in Milan, were designed by Dell’Orco and Silvana Armani. The collection will be unveiled through a presentation rather than the brand’s traditional runway format.
Vitale became one of fashion’s most closely watched creative talents following his departure from Miu Miu, where he spent 15 years and most recently served as Ready-to-Wear Design Director. In March 2025, he was appointed Chief Creative Officer of Versace, becoming the first designer outside the founding family to lead the house. He departed nine months later following the completion of Prada Group’s acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings.
His single Versace collection, presented in September 2025, generated significant attention for its bold, colorful approach and references to the legacy of founder Gianni Versace.
Before joining Versace, Vitale played an important role in the creative development of Miu Miu during his lengthy tenure at the Prada-owned label. Born in 1983, he studied at Istituto Marangoni and began his career working under Tomas Maier at Bottega Veneta.
In a joint statement, Silvana Armani and Leo Dell’Orco welcomed Vitale to the company, describing Emporio Armani as a brand built around freedom, experimentation and energy. They said his international experience will allow him to interpret the brand’s identity while respecting its history.
Armani Group CEO and Managing Director Giuseppe Marsocci called the appointment an important milestone, saying it strengthens the company’s creative organization while supporting its evolution and maintaining Giorgio Armani’s values and vision.
Vitale also expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the dual role.
“I am honored to take on this dual role across Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani, and deeply grateful to Silvana and Leo for welcoming me into their world.”
With Vitale now overseeing Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories, the appointment signals a new creative era for one of Italy’s most influential fashion houses.
Photos: Jeannette Montgomery Barron
