Versace Appoints Pieter Mulier as Chief Creative Officer in Major Post-Prada Acquisition Move

 In a significant development for the Italian luxury fashion house, Versace has officially named Belgian designer Pieter Mulier as its new Chief Creative Officer. The appointment, announced today by Versace and its parent company Prada Group, takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Mulier succeeds Dario Vitale, whose short tenure ended in December 2025 after presenting just one runway collection. Vitale's departure came shortly after Prada Group's completion of its €1.25 billion acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings in late 2025, marking a new chapter for the brand founded by Gianni Versace.

Known for his precise tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, and refined aesthetic, Mulier joins Versace from Maison Alaïa, where he served as Creative Director since 2021. His time at Alaïa was widely praised for revitalizing the house with critical acclaim and strong commercial performance following the death of its founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. Prior to Alaïa, Mulier held key creative roles at brands including Raf Simons, Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, often collaborating closely with influential figures in the industry.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Executive Chairman of Versace and scion of the Prada family, expressed strong confidence in the choice. In statements to media outlets including WWD and the official Prada Group release, Bertelli noted that Mulier was identified as the ideal candidate during the acquisition process. "We believe that he can truly unlock Versace’s full potential and that he will be able to engage in a fruitful dialogue with the brand’s strong legacy," Bertelli said. He added that Mulier "will know how to reinterpret the brand" while honoring its distinctive identity—famous for bold, glamorous, and sensual designs.

This marks a notable shift for Versace, which has historically drawn from Italian heritage but now entrusts its creative vision to a non-Italian designer for the first time in its 48-year history. Mulier's more minimalist and architectural approach contrasts with Versace's signature maximalist glamour, sparking discussions in the industry about how he might balance the brand's provocative heritage with fresh innovation.

Mulier will report directly to Bertelli and is expected to make his debut with a runway collection potentially as early as September 2026 during Milan Fashion Week. His final collection for Alaïa is slated for the upcoming Paris Fashion Week.

The move underscores Prada Group's strategic vision for its expanded portfolio, positioning Versace for renewed growth amid evolving luxury market dynamics.