Fashion
Versace has moved to secure its creative future, announcing Pieter Mulier as its new chief creative officer effective July 1, 2026. The Belgian designer’s appointment marks a pivotal step for the Italian luxury house following its acquisition by the Prada Group last December.
Mulier, celebrated for his critically acclaimed and commercially successful tenure at Alaïa, will report directly to Versace chairman Lorenzo Bertelli. He fills the role left vacant after Dario Vitale’s departure in December, following a single collection.
“When we considered the Versace acquisition, we identified Pieter Mulier as the right person for the brand,” said Bertelli in a statement. “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.”
The move signals a clear strategy from the Prada Group to stabilise Versace, which has struggled with declining sales and an unclear identity. In its last fiscal year under previous owner Capri Holdings, Versace’s revenues fell 15 per cent to $193 million. Analysts suggest that returning the brand to Italian ownership provides a foundation for a turnaround.
Mulier brings a unique pedigree to the challenge. An architecture graduate, he was famously spotted by Raf Simons and served as his right-hand man at major houses including Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein. At Alaïa, he masterfully honoured the late founder’s legacy while injecting a modern, viral appeal—exemplified by sell-out items like the mesh ballet flats and the Le Teckel bag—proving his ability to blend respect for heritage with commercial savvy.
His departure from Alaïa, however, opens another high-profile vacancy in the fashion world, likely triggering a new wave of musical chairs among top creative directors.
For Versace, Mulier’s hire represents a bet on a proven talent to redefine its bold, glamorous aesthetic for a new era and reconnect with discerning clients in the UAE, Oman, and globally. The fashion world will now watch closely to see how the architect of Alaïa’s recent success plans to rebuild the House of Versace.
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