Full Breakdown
Dario Vitale Named Creative Director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Appointment
On September 16, 2026, the Armani Group announced that Italian designer Dario Vitale will serve as creative director of Emporio Armani and of Giorgio Armani Accessories with immediate effect. Vitale becomes the first person outside the Armani family to hold either role, marking a historic shift in the privately held luxury house’s creative leadership.
Background and Recent Leadership Transition
Founder Giorgio Armani died on September 4, 2025 at age 91. His will directs the sale of a 15 % stake in the group within 18 months of his death, a process now entering its second phase. In the wake of his passing, his niece Silvana Armani (head of womenswear) and longtime partner Leo Dell’Orco (head of menswear and board chair) have overseen the brand’s main collections.
Vitale arrived at Armani after a brief, high-profile stint at Versace. He was appointed chief creative officer of Versace in March 2025, presented a single Spring-Summer 2026 collection, and left the house in December 2025 following Prada Group’s acquisition of Versace.
Timeline
- September 4, 2025 – Giorgio Armani passes away.
- March 2025 – Vitale becomes creative director of Versace.
- December 2025 – Vitale departs Versace after the Prada acquisition.
- September 16, 2026 – Armani Group announces Vitale’s dual appointment.
- Later in 2027 – Emporio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection (designed by Dell’Orco and Silvana Armani) will be presented at Milan Fashion Week.
Data and Financial Context
The group reported 2025 sales of €2.192 billion, a decline of 2.8 %, while consolidated EBITDA rose 3.2 % to €152.7 million. The appointment is framed as a strategic move to reinforce Emporio Armani—identified as a “brand of strategic relevance” for global partners—and to capitalize on growth potential in the accessories segment.
Official Statements & Responses
- He also highlighted accessories as a “great opportunity” for the group’s future growth.
These statements collectively present the appointment as a milestone intended to blend innovation with the brand’s established aesthetic.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the length of Vitale’s tenure at Versace. Some describe it as an eight-month period (April 2025 – December 2025), while others refer to “a few months” or “just one season.” No source provides a definitive day-level timeline, leaving the exact duration ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The appointment of Dario Vitale marks an important milestone for the Armani Group,” — Giuseppe Marsocci, armani group CEO
What’s Next
The Armani Group will unveil its next Emporio Armani collection at Milan Fashion Week later in 2027, a presentation rather than a traditional runway show. This event will be the first major showcase of the line after Vitale’s appointment, though the collection itself is designed by Dell’Orco and Silvana Armani.