Milan, September 16, 2026 — A new name is now at the heart of Armani’s creative future. Dario Vitale has been appointed Creative Director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani accessories, effective immediately. The appointment marks a significant turning point in the history of the Group: for the first time, the role has been entrusted to someone from outside the Armani family.
With a career shaped by some of the most influential names in international fashion, Vitale brings to the Group a creative sensibility rooted in product, quality and a contemporary vision capable of engaging with a brand’s identity without compromising its distinctive language.
His arrival therefore opens a new chapter for Emporio Armani and the Giorgio Armani accessories universe, striking a balance between innovation and continuity. On one side is the desire to look towards the future; on the other, a deep respect for an aesthetic heritage that has endured for decades and helped define the history of Italian fashion.
“I am honoured to take on this dual role across Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani, and deeply grateful to Silvana and Leo for welcoming me into their world,” said Vitale. “Armani has an extraordinary heritage and an unmistakable stylistic language — a legacy spanning decades and contributing to the history of fashion. I approach this new challenge with a profound sense of responsibility and enthusiasm, with the aim of building on these strong foundations and shaping a new era together.”
Particular importance will be placed on the future of Emporio Armani, a brand born as an expression of freedom, experimentation and energy within the Armani universe. Silvana Armani, Head of Women’s Style, and Leo Dell’Orco, Head of Men’s Style for the Armani Group, emphasise this connection, welcoming Vitale as a talent capable of interpreting the spirit of the brand with respect and authenticity.
At the same time, the creative direction of Giorgio Armani accessories represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen and further develop one of the maison’s most recognisable territories. An universe in which bags, footwear and details become an integral part of the Armani language — one defined by balance, elegance and precision.
For Giuseppe Marsocci, CEO and Managing Director of the Armani Group, the appointment represents a significant step in the evolution of the Group’s creative structure. Emporio Armani, described as a strategically important brand for the Group and its international partners, and Giorgio Armani accessories will therefore become two key territories through which to shape the company’s next chapter.
The transition is significant, but the direction is clear: to preserve the essence of Armani while creating space for a new creative sensibility.
Dario Vitale steps onto the stage today. The upcoming collections will reveal what shape this new era will ultimately take.
