Summary:
- Dario Vitale's eight-month tenure at Versace concludes with his first and final campaign as creative director
- Steven Meisel, Tania Franco Klein, and Frank Lebon photographed the spring/summer 2026 advertising
- The imagery references a 1982 Richard Avedon campaign for Gianni Versace
Dario Vitale left Versace after eight months as creative director. His time at the Italian fashion house was short. During this period, he designed one collection, launched a collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger, and created a single advertising campaign for spring/summer 2026.
The campaign stands as both his debut and farewell project in the creative director role. Industry observers have noted the work as one of the stronger advertising efforts this season. Three photographers handled the shoot: Steven Meisel, Tania Franco Klein, and Frank Lebon. Each brings a different visual approach to the project.
The images draw directly from Versace archives. A 1982 campaign by Richard Avedon for Gianni Versace serves as the primary reference point. This connection to the brand's history runs throughout the visual narrative. The photographers updated the aesthetic while keeping specific archive references intact.
Meisel has worked with major fashion houses for decades. His portfolio includes extensive editorial work and previous Versace campaigns. Klein approaches fashion photography through a contemporary lens. Her work often explores urban environments and modern social dynamics. Lebon brings a raw, documentary style to fashion imagery. His background includes music photography and editorial commissions.
The campaign presents what the brand describes as renewed glamour. A press statement explains the project aims to show the Versace community and its approach to sensuality. The house positions itself as representing desire and freedom through clothing and imagery.
Vitale's collection for the brand explored the house codes established under founder Gianni Versace. He worked with signature prints, body-conscious silhouettes, and bold color combinations. The Onitsuka Tiger collaboration brought sportswear elements into the Versace vocabulary. Sneakers and athletic pieces received the baroque treatment associated with the Italian label.
The designer's departure follows a pattern in luxury fashion. Creative directors now often serve shorter tenures than in previous decades. Industry restructuring and changing business models affect these roles. Some houses cycle through multiple creative leaders within a few years.
Versace operates under the Capri Holdings umbrella. The parent company also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo. Corporate structure influences creative direction at all three brands. Business performance and market positioning factor into leadership decisions.
The spring/summer 2026 campaign will appear in fashion publications and outdoor advertising. Digital platforms will host additional campaign content. The imagery supports the collection as it arrives in stores during the coming months.
Meisel's participation adds weight to the project. His involvement typically signals a major campaign investment. Klein and Lebon provide contrast to his polished approach. The three photographers create visual diversity across the campaign materials.
Archive references serve multiple purposes for fashion brands. They connect current products to historical moments. They also remind consumers of the brand's legacy and design evolution. The 1982 Avedon work represents a specific period in Versace history. Gianni Versace was building the house identity during that time.
The fashion industry will watch how Versace moves forward. The next creative director will inherit Vitale's work and the broader brand legacy. This campaign provides a reference point for evaluating future creative direction at the house.
Fashion observers have noted the campaign's reception. Trade publications and social media commentary indicate positive responses. The imagery circulates widely online. This visibility benefits the brand as it transitions between creative leadership.
Vitale's brief tenure produced limited output. One collection and one campaign offer a small sample of his vision for the brand. The work shows his interpretation of Versace codes without establishing a long-term direction. Eight months provides too short a timeline for meaningful creative evolution at a major fashion house.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.