Versace Picks Mulier for Its Top Designer Role After Alaïa Hits

Italian fashion house Versace named Pieter Mulier, the former designer of the niche but hip label Alaïa, to be its chief creative officer as the flashy brand seeks a new direction after being bought by Prada SpA last year.

Mulier will start his new role on July 1 and will report to Prada family scion Lorenzo Bertelli, the executive chairman of the brand, Versace said in a statement Thursday.