After a short yet impactful stint at Versace, the Italian fashion designer joins another iconic house.

Although the game of creative director musical chairs has slowed down in recent months, an exciting placement has taken place. Last year, Dario Vitale had the creative reins of Versace for eight months before Prada Group announced his departure. Now, Armani Group has announced Wednesday morning that he will be the creative director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories.
"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," the newly appointed creative director said in a statement. "Armani has a powerful legacy and unmistakable design language; a heritage that has spanned decades and shaped the history of fashion. I approach all of this with a deep sense of responsibility and excitement as we build upon that rich foundation, defining a new era together."
Vitale is taking on two roles at once, and he is also the first person outside of the Armani family to hold the role of creative director. His appointment will take immediate effect, with his debut taking place during the Fall/Winter 2027 season in early 2027.
When founder, owner, and fashion legend Giorgio Armani passed away last year, rumors surrounding who would take the late designer's place were rampant. As Silvana Armani and Leo Dell'Orco took over the Giorgio Armani mainline's womenswear and menswear collections, the search was on for the next great creative who would continue the rich Italian legacy.

Dario Vitale. Photography by Jeannette Montgomery Barron.

"Emporio Armani is much more than a line for us: it is a reality to which we are deeply connected, having followed and shared its journey since the very beginning," Armani and Dell'Orco said about the announcement. "Emporio was born as a space of freedom, experimentation and energy, and we are convinced that Dario's arrival in our team, as a talent already established on the international stage, will interpret its spirit with respect and authenticity."
In the world of modern fashion designers, Vitale is one that almost immediately comes to mind. With a background at Bottega Veneta, Dsquared2, and Miu Miu, his first and last collection for Versace received great praise from the industry and has now become a red carpet and magazine favorite. This sensation will most certainly be prominent throughout his time at Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories.
Armani and Dell'Orco will present their final Emporio co-ed collection on Sept. 24, which will take shape in a presentation format. Vitale's arrival at Armani brings about a new chapter for the brand, freshens up the creativity the collections will embody, and further the aesthetic that is vital to the Giorgio Armani name. Needless to say, Vitale is ready to explore and expand one of the fashion industry's most important houses.
"The appointment of Dario Vitale marks an important milestone for the Armani Group: a decision that strengthens our creative organization and confirms our commitment to looking ahead, consolidating the Group's path of evolution while remaining faithful to Giorgio Armani's values and vision," Armani Group's CEO and Managing Director Giuseppe Marsocci said. "Emporio Armani is a brand of strategic relevance for us and our partners around the world. Giorgio Armani accessories represent a great opportunity. We look to this new phase with enormous confidence."

Dario Vitale Is Emporio Armani's New Creative Director

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