Introduction to New Creative Director
Legendary Milan fashion house Versace has appointed Belgian designer Pieter Mulier as its new creative director, with his term beginning on July 1st. The announcement came from the Prada Group, which owns the luxury brand.
Background of Pieter Mulier
Mr. Mulier is currently creative director at French fashion house Alaïa. His career also includes a time as an employee of fellow Belgian designer Raf Simons, with whom he worked at renowned labels such as Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Dior.
New Role at Versace
In his new role, Mr. Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, who serves as CEO of Versace. Mr. Bertelli is also the designated successor at the helm of the family-run Prada Group, as he is the son of Miuccia Prada and Prada Group Chairman Patrizio Bertelli.
Expectations from Pieter Mulier
“When we considered the acquisition of Versace, we identified Pieter Mulier as the right person for the brand,” Lorenzo Bertelli said in a statement. "We believe he can truly unlock Versace’s full potential and that he will be able to have a fruitful dialogue with the brand’s strong heritage. We are excited to begin this journey together."
Previous Experience and Achievements
Mr. Mulier takes over from Dario Vitale, who left the company in December after previewing just one collection during his brief Versace tenure. Mr. Mulier was born in 1978 and went on to study architecture at the Institut Saint-Luc in Brussels. He was discovered by Mr. Simons in 2003 during a final exam. He has experience in breathing new life into a culturally significant but commercially challenged brand and has ushered in a new, contemporary era at Alaïa during his time there.
Recognition and Awards
Mr. Mulier was honored last fall by supermodel and longtime Alaïa muse Naomi Campbell at the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work honoring brand founder Azzedine Alaïa. He took over creative direction in 2021 after Alaïa’s death and has been credited with creating viral products like mesh ballerinas and the popular Le Teckel bag.
