Versace Taps Fashion Veteran Eloise Hautcoeur as Global Communications Director Post-Prada Acquisition

Italian luxury house Versace, now operating under the Prada Group umbrella, has made its first significant executive appointment since the recent change in ownership. The brand has named Eloise Hautcoeur as its Global Communications Director, bringing with her over 15 years of extensive experience in the fashion and communications sectors, accrued through influential positions at Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and the leading agency KCD.

Hautcoeur officially began her new role at the close of August, publicly announcing her position as "global communications director" for the brand on her LinkedIn account. Operating from Milan, she will work in close coordination with Caroline Deroche Pasquier, who has held the title of Versace’s vice president of global communications since early 2024. This appointment fills the void left by Mathieu Baboulène, who departed the company this summer to assume the role of global head of communications and press at Marine Serre.

Eloise Hautcoeur's distinguished career in fashion commenced in 2008, where she gained initial experience within the press departments of several brands. In 2015, she transitioned to KCD, a prominent public relations agency, where she was responsible for leading its London public relations division. Her journey subsequently moved in-house, taking on the role of UK communications director for Saint Laurent during its time under Kering. Most recently, Hautcoeur was an integral part of Bottega Veneta, where her responsibilities encompassed overseeing all communications across Northern Europe.

This executive appointment coincides with a period of significant public engagement for Versace, which notably made headlines this fall during the Venice Film Festival. The brand used the prestigious event to unveil the initial looks from its newly appointed creative director, Dario Vitale. A moment that generated widespread viral buzz involved actresses Julia Roberts and Amanda Seyfried, who appeared in identical Versace outfits—consisting of jeans, striped shirts, and navy blazers—a striking display that resonated strongly on the red carpet and across social media platforms.

Between a recent change of ownership and the introduction of a fresh creative direction, Eloise Hautcoeur is stepping into her new role at an undeniably pivotal moment for Versace. As the brand’s public profile continues to evolve and adapt to these significant internal and external shifts, the strategic direction and execution of its communications will be central to meticulously shaping its future image, narrative, and overall market positioning.