Image courtesy of people.com
The times they are a’ changing. And changing quickly.
Longtime Versace Creative Director Donatella Versace is stepping down as creative director after 28 years at that post. Capri Holdings, the holding company of Versace, announced this new development earlier this week. Donatella Versace will transition into the new role of chief brand ambassador.
Dario Vitale will assume the creative directorship of Versace. Vitale is the former design and image director of Miu Miu. Interestingly, there have been rumors that Prada is preparing to purchase Versace from Capril Holdings for 1.5 euros.
Vitale stated, as reported in a fashionnetwork.com article, “truly honoured to join Versace… and to be a part of this special and powerful fashion luxury House created by Gianni and Donatella. The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion. I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today. It is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.”
In that same fashionnetwork.com article Donatella Versace stated, “I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades. It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity. In my new role as chief brand ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.”
Image courtesy of playbill.com
More than a pretty face
Plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham has a new job. Graham will make her Broadway debut in “Chicago” as Roxie Hart. From April 15 to May 25, Graham will demonstrate to Broadway audiences that she is so much more than a pretty face. Her acting, singing, and dancing skills will prove that she is a triple threat.
I’m honored to make my Broadway debut as the iconic Roxie Hart,” Graham said in a statement, as reported in the Associated Press. “I’m deeply grateful to be able to embrace this new challenge and excited to share the stage with this incredible company.”
In “Chicago” Ashley Graham will follow in the footsteps of some great entertainers. The list includes Ariana Madix, Pamela Anderson, Erika Jayne, Brooke Shields, Lisa Rinna, Gretchen Mol, Ashlee Simpson, Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Norwood, Melanie Griffith, Christie Brinkley, Marilu Henner, and Robin Givens.
Never leaving fashion far behind, Ashley Graham recently returned to the runway walking in the revived Victoria’s Secret Show. She is also one of the faces of MICHELE Watches’ “Legacy Redefined” campaign.
Image courtesy of hypebeast.com
A good choice? Hmm, maybe not
Speaking of comings and goings in the fashion industry. Demna Gvasalia, known for his first name Demna, has been appointed as the artistic director of Gucci. And folks are not happy with this appointment.
There were numerous posts on social media that expressed industry professionals’ disappointment with this Demna’s new position. StyleZeitgeist founder Eugene Rankin posted on Instagram, calling Demna “a tired one-trick pony from one of our houses to destroy our cash cow.”
More significantly, Balenciaga’s, Demna’s prior artistic directorship before Gucci, stock dropped 12.7% after Demna’s appointment, totaling $3 billion in losses. However, midway through 2024 Gucci faced a 19% drop in sales. Will Demna turn that around? Time will tell!!
William S. Gooch
Content shared from fashionreverie.com.
