Italian fashion designer; named Creative Director at Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories in 2026
Vitale has been appointed as the new creative director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani accessories, marking a new era for the brand after Giorgio Armani’s death. The move follows a high-profile, short-lived stint at Versace and signals a push to blend innovation with the label’s identity.
Armani is open to multiple investors in the sale of a 15% stake, with meetings amid talks with LVMH, L’Oréal and EssilorLuxottica. The move follows founder Giorgio Armani’s will mandating an initial sale within 12–18 months of his death. Nutrient pressure remains on Armani to prove its ongoing appeal as revenue slipped in 2025.
Milan Fashion Week has featured Giorgio Armani’s posthumous evolution, with evolving leadership and a stake sale under discussion. Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Armani’s house reveal a path toward spring/summer 2027, balancing legacy with reinvention. Dario Vitale’s expanded role signals creative continuity while talks on a 15% stake progress.