Prada Group and Versace have officially announced the appointment of Pieter Mulier as chief creative officer, effective July 1, 2026. The news was confirmed via a joint statement released today and follows closely on the heels of the Belgian designer’s recent announcement that he would be stepping down from his role at Alaïa.

A New Creative Chapter for Versace

Describing the appointment as a pivotal moment, the brand stated that Mulier’s arrival signals “the beginning of a new chapter” for Versace. His nomination comes after a brief transitional period for the house: in December, Versace parted ways with Dario Vitale, who served as creative lead for just one season. Vitale’s exit occurred only days after Prada Group completed its acquisition of the Italian fashion house.

Reporting Structure and Leadership Vision

In his new role, Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, executive chairman of Versace. Commenting on the decision, Bertelli revealed that Mulier had already been identified as the ideal creative leader during the acquisition process. “While we were considering the acquisition of Versace, we identified Pieter Mulier as the right person for the role of the brand's designer. We are confident that he will be able to fully express Versace's potential and establish a profound dialogue with the brand's distinctive history and aesthetic. We are excited to embark on this journey together,” Bertelli said.

A Career Shaped by Major Fashion Houses

Mulier brings with him a formidable creative résumé. Over the course of his career, he has helped shape and elevate the visual identities of influential houses including Raf Simons, Jil Sander, Dior and Calvin Klein. Most recently, he served as creative director of Alaïa, a position he held from 2021. There, he undertook the delicate task of steering the maison forward while honoring the legacy of its founder, Azzedine Alaïa—a tenure widely credited with reinvigorating the brand’s cultural relevance.