The arrival of a new creative director at a major fashion house often begins before the runway show, with celebrities becoming the first showcase for a designer’s new direction. Red carpet appearances have increasingly become a way for luxury brands to create early excitement and generate conversation before a full collection is revealed.
That strategy appeared again with Nicole Kidman’s appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Practical Magic 2, where she became one of the first stars to wear a look connected to Pieter Mulier’s upcoming chapter at Versace.
Kidman stepped onto the red carpet in a custom Atelier Versace black gown featuring hand-crafted lace details and an asymmetric skirt. She completed the dramatic look with a matching choker and Manolo Blahnik heels, creating an elegant style that reflected the dark, theatrical atmosphere of her latest film.
However, the outfit offered only a small glimpse into Mulier’s creative direction for the iconic Italian fashion house. Rather than presenting a clear preview of his overall vision, the design seemed carefully chosen to complement Kidman’s role and the fantasy-inspired world surrounding Practical Magic 2.
Mulier’s appointment at Versace arrives during a period of major transition for the brand. The designer takes over following Dario Vitale’s brief but highly discussed period at the house, which gained attention from fashion critics and fans for its strong editorial presence and memorable designs.
While many in the industry were interested to see how Vitale’s approach would continue developing, Mulier’s arrival signals a new chapter for Versace. His first major runway presentation is expected to come later, with Atelier Versace reportedly set to return to the Paris haute couture calendar in 2027 after more than a decade away.
Until then, Kidman’s red carpet appearance serves as a carefully timed introduction — a subtle statement from Versace that the brand is moving forward while building anticipation for Mulier’s full creative debut.