The outsider at Versace

VITALE DOES HAVE SOME BIG SHOES — OR EVEN STILETTOES — TO FILL GIVEN THAT THE OVERALL LUXURY MARKET IS LOOKING AT A SLOWDOWN

- ABHILASHA OJHA

INSIDERS ARE HARDWIRED for continuation. But once a brand reaches cruise altitude, an extended period of autopilot can lead to complacency. It is easier to ask tough questions when you are outside of the company.

The appointment of Italian designer Dario Vitale as the new creative director of fashion house Versace, succeeding Donatella Versace, is perhaps the brand's best shot at dealing with the challenges it is facing.

Though unconfirmed, some reports suggest that Donatella has been sidelined for the brand's continuing poor performance. Vitale, many believe, will be able to capture trends, bring them on the ramp, and also create an uptick in the company's revenues.

Vitale does have some big shoes — or even stilettoes — to fill given that the overall luxury market is looking at a slowdown owing to economic uncertainty, low customer confidence, and course correction post Covid.