Versace Appoints Pieter Mulier as Chief Creative Officer, marking a new era under Prada group

Effective July 1, 2026, the Belgian designer joins following Prada Group’s acquisition of the Italian house, signalling a long-term creative reset after a period of leadership transition

The appointment reflects a considered and strategic approach, with a clear focus on long-term creative stability, disciplined sensuality, and a renewed engagement with Versace’s heritage.

In his new role, Pieter Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, Executive Chairman of Versace, who played a central role in identifying Mulier during the acquisition phase, describing him as the designer best suited to engage with the brand's legacy while shaping its future direction.

This leadership structure reinforces Prada Group’s philosophy of maintaining creative independence while ensuring strong strategic alignment across its portfolio.

Mulier’s appointment comes at a moment when Versace is seeking clarity after a period of creative flux. Following Prada Group’s acquisition of the brand from Capri holdings in late 2025, stabilising creative leadership became a priority.

The exit of Dario Vitale and December 20 25, after a brief tenure and a single collection, underscore the need for a more durable, creative vision. Mulier’s reputation for precision, intellectual rigor, and measured evolution position him as a natural choice for a house looking to recalibrate rather than reinvent.

Born in Belgium, Mulier trained in architecture at Institut Daint-Luc in Brussels before entering fashion. He was discovered in 2003 by Raf Simons, a moment that would shape much of his professional trajectory.

He went on hold senior design roles at Jill Sander from 2005 to 2012, followed by a key period at Dior between 2012 and 2015. From 2016 to 2020, Mulier served as Gobal Creative Director at Calvin Klein, overseeing both menswear and womenswear during a conceptually ambitious phase of the brand.

Across these roles, he developed a reputation for translating complex ideas into refined, wearable luxury.

Mulier’s most recent role at Alaia provided a compelling blueprint for his next chapter. Appointed Creative Director in 2021, he became the first designer to lead the house following the passing of founder Azzedine Alaia. 

At Alaia, Mulier demonstrated an ability to honour owerful founder legacy without relying on nostalgia. His collections focused on sculptural, silhouettes, technical innovation, and a modern interpretation of body-conscious design. The brand experience, renewed critical attention, retail expansion, and commercial success, including strong performance in accessories. 

Mulier will present his final collection for Alaia in March 2026 at Paris Fashion Week before fully transitioning to Versace.

On paper, Mulier’s controlled sensuality, and Versace unapologetic glamour may appear contrasting. But in practice, they share deeper, common ground, and obsession with the body, strength through form, and fashion as an expression of power.

Industry observers expect Mulier to temper Versace boldness with sharp discipline, elevating its quotes rather than muting them. The Medusa, Baroque prints, and overt sensuality are unlikely to disappear, instead, they are expected to be refined, focused, and re-articulated through Mulier’s architectural lens.

While no debut collection has been formally announced, industry consensus points to a Fall/Winter runway debut for 2027, at Milan, allowing sufficient time for a research, studio restructuring, and strategic alignment.

For Alia, there has been no successor announced, and Prada group has not outlined detailed creative, commercial roadmap beyond reaffirming, its commitment to long-term brand building.