The new era of confidence under Dario Vitale.
At Milan Fashion Week, Versace unveiled a collection that marked a turning point for the house. Designed by Dario Vitale, the new Creative
Director, Spring Summer 2026 carried the strength and sensuality that define Versace, but with a renewed sense of focus. It was less about
shock and more about confidence, crafted with control and clarity.
The runway opened with contrasts of texture and light. Metallic silk, smooth leather, and sheer mesh moved effortlessly across the floor. The
color palette shifted from deep lilac to cobalt blue, butter yellow, and jet black, forming a rhythm that balanced boldness with restraint. Each
piece reflected the essence of the brand, where glamour meets precision, and attitude is expressed through design rather than excess.
Vitale’s direction was unmistakable. The collection felt modern, refined, and alive with quiet power. Tailoring remained central, reworked into
shapes that felt freer and more fluid. Jackets were softened around the edges, corseted tops became architectural, and skirts were styled with
movement rather than stiffness. The collection spoke to a new Versace woman and man, one who leads with confidence but moves with ease.
The accessories told their own story. Gold Medusa belts, sculpted earrings, and polished boots tied the looks together with sleek simplicity.
Fabrics were rich but never heavy. Even in moments of sparkle, the clothes felt wearable, meant for living rather than posing. It was a mature evolution for a house known for its unapologetic energy. The new era of confidence under Dario Vitale.
The front row captured that new mood perfectly. Hyunjin of Stray Kids attended in a black leather bomber jacket paired with a striped shirt and tie, styled neatly into high-waisted navy trousers. The outfit balanced sharp tailoring with youthful flair, reflecting the same harmony of
discipline and freedom seen on the runway. The gold-buckle belt and clean detailing added just enough edge to elevate the look without overpowering it. His presence added quiet magnetism to the room, drawing eyes for his composure and subtle elegance. As the show continued, it became clear that Vitale’s approach was not about reinvention but refinement. The pieces carried Gianni’s legacy of
power and sensuality while revealing a softer strength. It was Versace reimagined for a new era, where boldness is not a statement but a state of being.
When the final look appeared, the applause felt genuine, not just for the clothes but for what they represented. Versace SS26 captured a house stepping into its future with confidence, still daring but more deliberate. Vitale reminded Milan that the Versace name can evolve without
losing its soul.
This season, Versace showed that confidence can be quiet, power can be precise, and allure can live in the details.
