Versace Appoints Pieter Mulier as New Creative Director from July
Milan's iconic luxury fashion house Versace has officially named Belgian designer Pieter Mulier as its new creative director, with his tenure scheduled to commence on 1 July. The significant announcement was made on Thursday by the Prada Group, the parent company that owns the prestigious brand.
From Alaïa to Versace: A Career Transition
Mr Mulier currently holds the position of creative director at the French fashion house Alaïa, where he has been credited with revitalising the brand. His extensive career includes a notable period as the associate of fellow Belgian designer Raf Simons, collaborating with him at several high-profile labels such as Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Dior.
In his new role at Versace, Mr Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, who serves as the executive chair of Versace. Mr Bertelli is also the designated successor to lead the family-owned Prada Group, being the son of Miuccia Prada and Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli.
Strategic Vision and Brand Legacy
"When we considered the Versace acquisition, we identified Pieter Mulier as the right person for the brand," Lorenzo Bertelli stated in an official announcement. "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."
Mr Mulier succeeds Dario Vitale, who departed in December after previewing just one collection during his brief tenure at Versace. Born in 1978, Mr Mulier studied architecture at the Institute Saint-Luc in Brussels and was discovered by Raf Simons at a graduate judging event in 2003.
Proven Track Record in Fashion Innovation
British Vogue has highlighted Mr Mulier's expertise in breathing new life into culturally significant but commercially challenged brands. During his time at Alaïa, he was praised for launching a contemporary era for the fashion house, introducing viral products such as mesh ballet flats and the popular Le Teckel bag.
Last autumn, supermodel and longtime Alaïa muse Naomi Campbell honoured Mr Mulier at the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work paying tribute to brand founder Azzedine Alaïa. Mr Mulier took the creative helm at Alaïa in 2021, following the founder's death, and has since demonstrated a strong ability to blend heritage with modern appeal.
This appointment marks a strategic move for Versace under the Prada Group's ownership, aiming to leverage Mr Mulier's design acumen and experience to enhance the brand's global presence and commercial success in the competitive luxury fashion market.
