Prada Group Appoints Pieter Mulier as Versace Chief Creative Officer

The Prada Group formally announced the appointment of Pieter Mulier as the new Chief Creative Officer for Versace, an executive transition slated to commence on July 1, 2026. This strategic personnel move follows the successful finalization of the Prada Group's acquisition of the historic Italian fashion house in December 2025. Mulier assumes the role previously held by Dario Vitale, whose tenure concluded at the close of December 2025 after overseeing the presentation of a single seasonal collection.

This leadership change signifies a major creative realignment under the new ownership structure established by the Prada Group. Mulier joins Versace following a highly regarded five-year tenure as Creative Director at Alaïa, where his work emphasized sculptural silhouettes and precise architectural construction in his designs. Lorenzo Bertelli, Executive Chairman of Versace, stated that Mulier was identified as the optimal candidate capable of realizing the brand's potential while engaging respectfully with its established design legacy.

Mulier cultivated a significant professional relationship with designer Raf Simons, serving as his deputy across Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein, providing extensive experience across diverse creative environments. Mulier's final creative contribution to Alaïa is scheduled for presentation during Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, preceding his formal assumption of responsibilities at Versace the following July.

The appointment is viewed as a deliberate move by the Prada Group to inject a fresh, yet conceptually grounded, creative direction into Versace's operations following the acquisition. Industry analysts suggest Mulier's background, particularly his success in modernizing Alaïa while respecting founder Azzedine Alaïa's legacy, offers a blueprint for his work at Versace. The shift is expected to influence Versace's ready-to-wear collections and accessories lines moving into the 2027 fiscal year.

The Prada Group's investment, finalized in late 2025, positions this appointment as a cornerstone of its strategy for the storied label. The group's stated goal is to leverage Mulier's proven ability to balance innovation with heritage, a critical factor for established luxury brands navigating contemporary consumer demands. Mulier's arrival on July 1, 2026, sets a clear timeline for the integration of his creative vision into Versace's operational structure, impacting the design cycle for collections presented in 2027.