Former Bottega Veneta Exec Steps Into Key Role Ahead of Vitale’s Milan Debut
Versace has tapped Eloise Hautcoeur as its new global communications director, bringing on board a seasoned communications leader from within the Kering family. Hautcoeur officially began her role at the house in late August, relocating to Milan and stepping into the position previously held by Mathieu Baboulène. She now reports to Caroline Deroche Pasquier, Versace’s vice president of global communications, who herself joined the brand last year following a stint at Bottega Veneta.
Hautcoeur arrives with a résumé deeply rooted in European fashion circles. Most recently, she served as head of communications for Northern Europe at Bottega Veneta, operating out of London since joining the house in 2021. Prior to that, she led U.K. communications for Saint Laurent and held the role of senior PR director at KCD’s London office. Her earlier experience includes a wide range of roles in public relations, talent management, partnerships, and events across agencies and brands.
Her move to Milan aligned with a high-profile moment for the house at the Venice Film Festival, where Versace unveiled pieces from Dario Vitale’s evolving vision. One particular look—a sharp, daytime ensemble consisting of a blue wool blazer, rolled-sleeve striped shirt, and denim pants—caught widespread attention after being worn first by Julia Roberts and then Amanda Seyfried. Roberts wore it during the “After the Hunt” press conference, while Seyfried was seen in the same ensemble while promoting “The Testament of Ann Lee.”
The festival also served as a platform for Versace to hint at the future of its couture offering. For the film premiere, Roberts appeared in a navy crepe de chine gown with a damier motif, handcrafted and embroidered with black silk thread—signaling a refined take on Atelier Versace under Vitale.
Several houses seized the Venice spotlight to preview what’s to come, with Louise Trotter and Jonathan Anderson presenting glimpses of future collections for Bottega Veneta and Dior, respectively.
As for Vitale, his official debut at Versace will take place during Milan Fashion Week. The spring 2026 collection is slated for September 26 and will be presented in an intimate format rather than a full-scale runway show. According to sources, the presentation will include a video component, offering a cinematic lens on the next chapter of the brand’s identity—with Hautcoeur now helping to shape how that story is told.