The fashion world is seeing a significant shift in leadership as Pieter Mulier has been appointed the new artistic director of Versace. This announcement, made today, , comes shortly after Mulier’s departure from Alaïa, and as Prada Group solidifies its recent acquisition of the iconic Italian fashion house.
Mulier’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Versace, which has been navigating a period of transition following the exit of Dario Vitale in December. Vitale’s tenure, which began in April 2025, was intended to succeed Donatella Versace, but proved short-lived. Mulier now faces the challenge of revitalizing the brand and building upon its legacy of luxury, and sensuality.
Lorenzo Bertelli, President Executive of Versace and Marketing Director of the Prada Group, expressed confidence in Mulier’s ability to lead the brand. “When we considered the acquisition of Versace, we identified Pieter Mulier as the ideal person for the brand,” Bertelli stated. “We are convinced that he can truly unlock the full potential of Versace and engage in a fruitful dialogue with the powerful heritage of the house.”
The Belgian designer brings a wealth of experience to the role, having established himself as a highly respected figure in the industry over the past several years. His career trajectory has been closely linked with that of Raf Simons, beginning in the early 2000s when Simons brought Mulier onto his menswear team. He subsequently followed Simons to Jil Sander and Dior in 2012, and later to Calvin Klein in 2016, serving as a key creative partner throughout these collaborations.
Notably, Mulier’s path now converges with Simons again within the Prada Group, where Simons currently serves as co-creative director of the Prada brand alongside Miuccia Prada. This reunion suggests a potential synergy and shared vision for the future of both Versace and Prada.
Prior to joining Versace, Mulier made a significant impact as the creative director of Alaïa, a position he assumed in 2021. He was the first artistic director appointed to the house since the passing of its founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. During his five-year tenure at Alaïa, Mulier successfully re-established the brand as a key player in the fashion landscape, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. He is particularly credited with revitalizing and reimagining the ballerina flat, which became a signature piece for the house under his direction.
Versace, founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace and his brother Santo, has long been synonymous with Italian glamour and bold design. However, the brand experienced a period of instability during its seven years under the ownership of Capri Holdings (parent company of Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo). Prada’s acquisition of Versace in 2025 for €1.25 billion signaled a new chapter for the brand, creating a powerful new force within the Italian fashion industry.
Mulier is scheduled to present his first collection for Versace on July 1, 2026. Before fully transitioning to his new role, he will showcase his final collection for Alaïa during Paris Fashion Week in March. This will allow him to conclude his work with Alaïa and simultaneously introduce his vision for Versace to the fashion world.
The appointment of Pieter Mulier represents a strategic move by the Prada Group to leverage his creative talent and industry connections to elevate Versace to new heights. His proven ability to balance commercial success with critical recognition, coupled with his established relationship with Raf Simons within the Prada ecosystem, positions him as a strong leader to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the iconic Italian brand.
