Brands
Prada bags Versace in £1.3bn deal, sewing up a new era in Italian luxury
MILAN: In a move that stitched the fashion world into a frenzy, Prada just made its most glamorous purchase yet.
The Italian luxury major has officially acquired its long-coveted rival Versace for about €1.3 billion, sealing one of the most significant shake-ups in high fashion in recent years. The deal comes after Capri Holdings’ planned sale to Tapestry collapsed under antitrust scrutiny, clearing the runway for Prada to step back in.
Founded in 1978 by the legendary Gianni Versace, the house known for its maximalist glamour now joins Prada’s expanding stable, which includes the flagship Prada label and the rapidly rising Miu Miu. The acquisition marks a strategic pivot for the group as it moves decisively into multi-brand territory.
Donatella Versace, who helmed the brand creatively for nearly three decades before stepping down earlier this year, commemorated the moment with a poignant tribute on Instagram. The deal closed on what would have been Gianni Versace’s birthday.
“Today is your day… I’m thinking of the smile you would have had on your face,” she wrote. Gianni was tragically killed in Miami in 1997.
Lorenzo Bertelli, who will become executive chairman of Versace once the integration is complete, told Reuters the house had been on Prada’s radar for years.
“There had already been contacts during COVID… When the Capri–Tapestry deal fell through, we moved quickly,” he said. For Bertelli, the decision checked two crucial boxes: the financial risk was acceptable and Versace’s global brand power made the acquisition unquestionably worthwhile.
The creative baton at Versace has already changed hands, with Dario Vitale, previously design director at Miu Miu, stepping in after Donatella’s exit in March.
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
