Is Prada Building the Italian LVMH? Why the Versace Acquisition Is Bigger Than It Seems?

What we see right now is history being written, with one name holding the pen: Prada.

Prada — a house with four brands under its belt (Prada, Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe) — is making moves that suggest far more than just expansion. With its recent acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings, we are not just witnessing a portfolio shift. We are witnessing the beginnings of something that Italy has long needed: a luxury empire.

 Why Prada?

Under the vision of Miuccia Prada, there have not been any missteps. Unlike other groups chasing trends, Prada has built longevity around heritage and style. It is not a brand that shouts. It does not need to. So why acquire Versace — a name that, in recent years, became louder, more populist, and less itself?

Because that is exactly the problem.

Versace, under Capri Holdings, chased scale. Since the tragic 1997 murder of Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan on the steps of his Miami mansion, the house has never truly found its way back. It released sub-brands like Versace Jeans Couture, expanding access but diminishing aura. When Gianni created Versace, it was bold, yes — but never basic. And yet, recently, the Medusa stared back from every fast-fashion piece and sidewalk. That is not luxury. That is exposure.

At Gallemar, we believe true luxury never chases the crowd — and never needs to explain itself. Versace began to explain. To be everywhere, for everyone. That is not Gianni’s vision. That is not Italy’s legacy. And perhaps, this is what makes Prada one of the few names worthy of bringing Versace home.

 Will Prada Save Versace — or Rebuild It Entirely?

Ask yourself:

Will Versace finally reclaim its identity? Will the glamour return — not to the streets, but to the salons, the red carpets, the old wardrobes? And will Prada now become the empire Italy was waiting for?

We think, yes.

Because if anyone can recalibrate Versace’s compass back toward excellence and away from excess, it is Prada. And in doing so, Prada itself becomes something greater: not just a brand, but a group and a pillar of Italian luxury.

This move is not just about consolidation. While leaders like Bernard Arnault at LVMH have long shaped the global luxury landscape through scale, Prada’s approach feels more intentional — a cultural move rather than a corporate one. Italy builds empires through craft, vision, and pride. This is a delayed play, yes — but a necessary one. And it’s telling that no other Italian group made this move before. It is bold move and it seems like Miuccia Prada had the clarity.

And What About the French?

LVMH and Kering have set the gold standard in building luxury empires. Now, with Prada making a move of this scale, we may be witnessing the rise of a new center of gravity —in competition with the French houses. A rebalancing. A shared stage, led by legacy, expertise, and vision on both sides. At Gallemar, we believe this signals a new chapter — one where Italian leadership in luxury steps forward more visibly. And thanks to Donatella Versace, the spirit of the house is still here.

📸 iStock @ pcruciatti