Armani Group appoints Dario Vitale as creative director of Emporio Armani and accessories

New creative leadership outside the family

The Armani Group announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that Dario Vitale has been appointed creative director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani accessories. The 43-year-old designer, originally from Salerno, takes on the role with immediate effect. His arrival represents the first time a designer outside the Armani family has held creative direction in the fashion house's history. Up until this appointment, creative leadership had been exercised by founder Giorgio Armani, head of women's style Silvana Armani, and head of men's style Leo Dell'Orco.

Vitale accepted the post alongside leadership from Silvana Armani and Leo Dell'Orco, expressing his commitment to the house's stylistic identity.

“I am honoured to take on this dual role between Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani and deeply grateful to Silvana and Leo for welcoming me into their world. Armani boasts an extraordinary heritage and an unmistakable stylistic language: a heritage that spans decades and has contributed to writing fashion history.”

Career background across Milan fashion houses

Vitale built his career through positions at several prominent European luxury labels, including Bottega Veneta, Dsquared2, and Miu Miu, where he contributed to the brand's creative direction. He subsequently served a brief tenure as creative director at Versace, where he presented the Spring/Summer 2026 collection during a runway show at the Accademia di Brera. His debut featured 1980s-inspired prints and contrasting colours associated with Gianni Versace, adapted to contemporary silhouettes.

Vitale's tenure at Versace concluded in December 2025 following the acquisition of the fashion house by the Prada Group. Speculation regarding his move to Armani had circulated in the fashion industry for several months prior to Wednesday's official confirmation.

Transition and upcoming collection presentation

The Armani Group confirmed that its men's and women's Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2027 collection will be revealed on September 24, 2026, during Milan Fashion Week. That collection, designed by Leo Dell'Orco and Silvana Armani, will be showcased through a static presentation format rather than the traditional runway show. Silvana Armani and Dell'Orco issued a joint statement welcoming Vitale, noting that Emporio was founded as a space for experimentation and energy and expressing confidence that Vitale will interpret its spirit with authenticity.

Strategic evolution following Giorgio Armani's passing

The leadership appointment follows the death of company founder Giorgio Armani in 2025 at the age of 91. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Giuseppe Marsocci described the appointment as a step that strengthens the group's operational structure while maintaining continuity with its founding aesthetic.

“The appointment of Dario Vitale marks an important milestone for the Armani Group: it is a choice that strengthens our creative organization and confirms our commitment to looking ahead, consolidating the group's evolutionary path, while remaining faithful to Giorgio Armani's values and vision.”

Marsocci stated that Emporio Armani remains a strategically important brand globally, while Giorgio Armani accessories present a substantial commercial opportunity for the fashion house as it enters this operating phase.