Versace’s newly appointed creative director, Dario Vitale, faced sharp criticism after presenting his first red-carpet looks for the house at the Venice Film Festival, where A-list actress Julia Roberts and Amanda Seyfried wore two of his debut outfits.
Vitale, who joined Versace from Miu Miu earlier this year, showed two high-profile pieces during the festival: a navy blazer paired with a yellow shirt and jeans, first worn by Roberts and later re-worn by Amanda Seyfried, and a navy, high-necked, long-sleeved dress Roberts wore to the premiere of her film After The Hunt. The understated dress and the more casual jacket-and-shirt pairing prompted commentary from fashion observers and some within the industry that the choices were a departure from the house’s historically sex-forward aesthetic.
A source quoted by media outlets described the response inside the brand as painful and critical. "This was heartbreaking and devastating for the whole Versace family. Where is the sex? It's been removed! People are appalled and heartbroken because it seems that the legacy and reputation of Versace is being trashed," the source said. "The dress didn't fit in the way that you would expect from the atelier, and the jacket and shirt looked sloppy."
The debut arrives months after Versace announced the leadership change, and it has drawn attention because red-carpet moments are closely watched as early indicators of a creative director’s direction and brand strategy. Industry commentators often view celebrity dressing at major festivals as a deliberate signaling tool for couture houses, and reactions to early choices can influence expectations for forthcoming collections.
Criticism in this instance focused on fit and on a perceived tonal shift away from the body-conscious, daring silhouettes that have long been associated with Versace. Supporters of more restrained tailoring said such moves can signal an attempt to modernize or redirect a legacy brand; detractors framed the looks as a misstep in an especially visible context.
The navy blazer and shirt ensemble drew attention for its casual pairing with jeans on the festival red carpet, while the navy gown prompted discussion about how new creative directions reconcile with heritage trademarks. Re-wearing garments on different celebrities is a common strategy in contemporary brand placement, and the reuse of the blazer by Seyfried kept the look in public view beyond a single moment.
Observers said the next run of public appearances and the designer’s forthcoming collection presentations will be closely scrutinized for clearer evidence of Vitale’s long-term vision for the house. Early red-carpet choices often provoke debate about balance between innovation and brand identity, particularly at legacy fashion houses with strongly associated aesthetics.
The Venice Film Festival appearance represents Vitale’s first widely covered outing in the role, and reactions underscore how closely the fashion community monitors inaugural steps by new creative directors. Whether the critiques prompt adjustments in fit, styling or presentation will likely become clearer as Versace prepares for upcoming shows and red-carpet placements.