Hold onto your Medusa heads — Prada just made the move that’s shaking up the luxury fashion world. In a major twist, Prada is officially acquiring 100% of Versace from Capri Holdings for a sleek €1.25 billion. That’s right: Versace is coming home to Italy, and it’s about to get a very Prada-powered glow-up.
Versace, founded by the legendary Gianni Versace back in 1978, has always been the epitome of unapologetic glamour: bold prints, sexy silhouettes, and that glorious “more is more” attitude. But in the era of “quiet luxury,” even the loudest names need to evolve. Enter Prada — the masters of minimalism — to bring new energy (and serious muscle) to the Versace name.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just last month, Donatella Versace — the forever icon and sister of Gianni — announced she was stepping down as creative director, swapping her design duties for a new role as Chief Brand Ambassador. Replacing her? Dario Vitale, fresh from Miu Miu, Prada’s trendiest rocket ship.
Prada isn’t here to water Versace down — far from it. Patrizio Bertelli, Prada Group Chairman, made it clear: Versace’s signature audacity is here to stay. Think bold, think fearless — but now supercharged with Prada’s unmatched global platform, from powerhouse retail networks to cutting-edge production magic.
“We’re not just buying a brand,” said Bertelli. “We’re helping to write a whole new chapter.”
This deal feels personal. For decades, Italian luxury names have been gobbled up by foreign giants like LVMH and Kering. Now, with Versace returning to Italian ownership, it’s a fierce reminder that the heart of fashion still beats strongest in Milan.
Sure, Prada had to take on €1.5 billion in fresh debt to make it happen, but honestly? Worth it. Because now, Prada is officially the largest Italian fashion group — and ready to give the French a run for their couture money.
Expect a wildly stylish evolution. Versace’s maximalist DNA will stay intact, but under Prada’s disciplined, strategic hand, we’re likely to see sharper collections, smarter pricing, and even bigger global buzz. This is just the beginning. Buckle up — Italian fashion’s next era is going to be bold, beautiful, and oh-so-very Versace.
