The Armani Group appointed Dario Vitale as creative director of Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani Accessories with immediate effect on Wednesday, September 16.

Vitale is the first person outside the Armani family to hold this role, the group said.

Vitale said he approaches the dual role with a deep sense of responsibility and excitement to define a new era.

Armani design heads Silvana Armani and Leo Dell’Orco stated Vitale’s arrival will interpret the spirit of Emporio Armani with respect.

Armani Group CEO Giuseppe Marsocci said the appointment strengthens the creative organisation and consolidates the group’s evolution.