Belgian designer Pieter Mulier has been appointed the new Chief Creative Officer of Versace, marking a pivotal moment for the iconic Italian fashion house as it embarks on a creative renaissance under new ownership. The Prada Group confirmed on Thursday that Mulier's tenure will begin on 1 July 2026, signalling both a fresh start and a deliberate blend of heritage and a contemporary vision in high fashion.
The decision comes amid significant change at Versace, which was acquired by Capri Holdings last year in a deal valued at approximately €1.25 billion. The acquisition, finalised in December 2025, reshapes the Italian luxury landscape and sets the stage for a creative reset at one of Milan's most storied labels.
Versace's Bold New Chapter Begins
In appointing Mulier, Prada Group and Versace leadership have expressed confidence in his ability to shape the brand's future while honouring its legacy of glamour, boldness, and innovation. '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', said Lorenzo Bertelli, Versace's executive chairman. Bertelli described the partnership as 'the beginning of a new chapter' for the fashion house.
Mulier succeeds Dario Vitale, who departed in December 2025 after presenting just one collection during a turbulent period. His appointment aims to steady the brand and establish a long-term creative vision.
From Belgian Roots to Global Runways
Born in 1978 in Ostend, Belgium, Pieter Mulier's journey into fashion was shaped by an early fascination with design and architecture. After studying at the Institut Supérieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc de Bruxelles, he began working alongside Belgian design titan Raf Simons.
Mulier contributed to collections at Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein, honing his craft in womenswear, ready-to-wear, and accessories. Known for technical precision and an understanding of form, he gradually built a reputation as a designer who could balance creativity with brand coherence.
Climbing the Fashion Ladder: Key Career Milestones
- Early 2000s: Collaborated with Raf Simons on various European fashion houses.
- 2016: Joined Calvin Klein under Simons' leadership, managing both men's and women's collections.
- 2021–2026: Served as creative director at Alaïa, revitalising the Parisian house and introducing contemporary innovations while respecting its heritage.
During his tenure at Alaïa, Mulier was credited with reimagining the brand's sculptural tailoring and architectural silhouettes. Iconic pieces such as the Le Teckel bag and mesh ballet flats drew both critical and consumer acclaim.
Alaïa Bids Farewell to a Visionary
Chief executive Myriam Serrano said of Mulier's departure: 'We sincerely thank Pieter for his vision and commitment, writing an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Maison.' During his five-year tenure, Mulier revitalised Alaïa's signature sculptural tailoring and architectural silhouettes, introducing contemporary touches that resonated with a younger, global audience. Under his leadership, the brand maintained its elegance while gaining wider international visibility, with runway shows and collections praised for their cinematic quality and innovative flair.
Mulier also brought playful sophistication to accessories, from the Le Teckel bag to mesh ballet flats, reflecting a keen understanding of modern luxury consumers. European luxury analyst Elena Rosetti noted, 'Pieter's impact elevated the brand into a contemporary icon.' His exit closes a pivotal chapter in Alaïa's posthumous history, leaving behind a creative blueprint that balances heritage with forward-looking design.
Versace Awaits: A Bold Stage for a Visionary Designer
Mulier's success at Alaïa has positioned him uniquely to take on Versace, a house celebrated for its flamboyance, glamour, and unapologetic self-expression. Industry observers note that his experience balancing heritage and innovation at Alaïa mirrors the challenge at Versace: honour a storied legacy while appealing to a global, younger audience increasingly drawn to modern luxury. His architectural sensibilities, eye for detail, and ability to infuse classic silhouettes with contemporary flair make him a natural fit for the Italian powerhouse.
Under the Prada Group's stewardship, Versace is entering a period of reinvention, and Mulier's arrival signals a deliberate, forward-looking approach. Analysts expect that his debut collection will draw inspiration from the brand's archives while introducing new shapes, textures, and accessories that resonate with today's fashion-conscious consumer. As he prepares to take the creative helm in Milan this summer, all eyes are on how Mulier will blend his thoughtful, modern vision with Versace's iconic glamour, setting the stage for what could be a defining era for the brand.
