Luxury fashion house Versace has officially named Pieter Mulier as its new Chief Creative Officer. This significant announcement marks a pivotal moment for the brand, which is now under the ownership of Prada Group. Mulier's appointment, effective July 1, 2026, is anticipated to usher in a fresh era for Versace, focusing on re-establishing its distinct identity and enhancing its market presence. His proven track record at Alaïa, where he successfully navigated the brand's post-founder period, demonstrates his capacity to blend artistic vision with commercial viability.
Versace Welcomes New Creative Visionary Pieter Mulier Amidst Strategic Turnaround
In a major development for the global fashion landscape, Versace officially announced the appointment of Pieter Mulier as its new Chief Creative Officer. This strategic move, effective from July 1, 2026, positions Mulier at the helm of one of Italy's most iconic luxury brands. The Belgian designer arrives at Versace following a highly successful period at Alaïa, where he served as the first creative director since the passing of its legendary founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. His leadership at Alaïa, which began in 2021, was lauded for infusing contemporary appeal while honoring the brand's rich heritage, leading to critically acclaimed collections and commercially successful products, including the popular mesh ballet flats and the "Le Teckel" handbag.
Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, the chairman of Versace and scion of the Prada Group. Bertelli expressed strong confidence in Mulier, stating, "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. We are excited to begin this journey together." This appointment comes after Prada Group finalized its acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings on December 2, following an initial announcement in April. Mulier steps into a role previously held by Dario Vitale, whose brief tenure as creative director ended on December 12, just after the acquisition was complete. Vitale had presented only one collection since his appointment in March.
Mulier's impressive career trajectory began after he earned an architecture degree from Brussels's Institut Saint-Luc. He was discovered by Raf Simons in 2003 and subsequently honed his skills at Simons's eponymous label, later becoming his close collaborator at esteemed fashion houses such as Jil Sander (2005-2012), Christian Dior (2012-2015), and Calvin Klein (2016). His extensive experience across diverse luxury brands equips him with a profound understanding of brand development and market dynamics, which will be crucial for Versace's turnaround. The brand has faced challenges including declining revenues, which dropped by 15 percent to $193 million in fiscal year 2025 under its former owners. With Mulier's creative vision and the strategic backing of Prada Group, industry analysts are optimistic about Versace's future, anticipating a resurgence in its brand recognition and commercial success.
The arrival of Pieter Mulier at Versace not only marks a new chapter for the iconic Italian fashion house but also underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of the luxury fashion industry. His transition from Alaïa to Versace exemplifies the high stakes involved in creative leadership, where designers are tasked with balancing heritage with innovation. This move sparks a broader conversation about succession planning and the constant search for visionaries who can steer established brands toward future relevance and profitability. It highlights that in today's competitive market, a creative director's ability to drive both artistic acclaim and commercial success is paramount, often influencing the trajectory of an entire fashion conglomerate. The industry will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Mulier's distinct aesthetic and strategic acumen will redefine Versace's identity and contribute to the Prada Group's overarching vision.