Versace's Third Creative Chief in 18 Months Faces Milan
Pieter Mulier took over as Versace's chief creative officer on 1 July, appointed by new owner Prada. He replaces Dario Vitale, who exited after one collection, two days after Prada closed its €1.25bn purchase. Donatella Versace stepped back in March 2025 after 27 years.
Prada bought Versace at a steep discount to the €1.9bn Capri paid, and the brand barely broke even in 2024. Mulier — Raf Simons' longtime deputy, five years at Alaïa — is Lorenzo Bertelli's pick to fix it. Three creative directors in 18 months is either decisive or unstable, and Milan will say which.
Mulier's debut collection and its format. Verify against the official Camera Moda calendar before publishing — Versace skipped the runway for Vitale's debut and may do so again.
13 Mar 2025 — Donatella Versace steps back after 27 years as creative director; becomes chief brand ambassador. Dario Vitale named chief creative officer.
1 Apr 2025 — Vitale's appointment takes effect; first designer from outside the family.
Apr 2025 — Prada Group announces acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings, €1.25bn enterprise value.
26 Sep 2025 — Vitale's debut collection (Spring 2026) shown in Milan at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana — an intimate presentation, not a runway. Donatella does not attend.
2 Dec 2025 — Prada completes the acquisition.
4 Dec 2025 — Versace announces Vitale's exit, two days after closing. One collection in the role.
12 Dec 2025 — Vitale departs. Creative team operates under CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger.
30 Jan 2026 — Pieter Mulier announces he is leaving Alaïa after five years.
5 Feb 2026 — Versace and Prada name Mulier chief creative officer. Bertelli says he was identified as the pick before the acquisition even closed.
Mar 2026 — Mulier's final Alaïa show (Fall 2026) at Paris Fashion Week.
1 Jul 2026 — Mulier takes the role, reporting to executive chairman Lorenzo Bertelli.
Sep 2026 — Milan Fashion Week. Debut format unconfirmed.
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