The Armani fashion house has appointed Dario Vitale as the new creative director of its Emporio Armani line, marking the first time the role has been held by someone outside the Armani family. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the luxury brand, which continues to navigate its future following the death of founder Giorgio Armani last year.

Vitale, 43, brings extensive experience from his previous roles in the fashion industry, having worked for Prada and Miu Miu, and most recently serving for nine months in 2025 as creative director at Versace. In addition to leading Emporio Armani, the company’s more accessible secondary line, he will also take on the role of creative director of Giorgio Armani Accessories.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new position, Vitale described it as both an honor and a significant responsibility. He emphasized his respect for the brand’s "powerful legacy and unmistakable design language," noting that Armani’s heritage has played a defining role in fashion history.

Within the broader Armani Group, Giorgio Armani’s niece, Silvana Armani, continues to oversee women’s design, while Leo Dell’Orco, the late founder’s longtime companion, leads the men’s division. Both Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco highlighted Emporio Armani’s emphasis on “freedom, experimentation and energy,” stating their confidence that Vitale’s international expertise will align with the brand’s spirit in a respectful and authentic manner.

The appointment of Vitale signals a notable shift for the Italian fashion house as it seeks to balance continuity with innovation under its renewed leadership structure.