We know L.V as the luxury behemoth, capable of absorbing houses like a trophy collector. But this time, while everyone was waiting for The lord to pull off another coup, it was Prada that stole the show by buying Versace for the modest sum of 1.25 billion euros. A deal conducted with the finesse of a Milanese tailor, while LV, perhaps distracted by a vineyard acquisition or yet another flagship store on the Champs-Elysées, looked elsewhere.

After months of rumours and whispers in the hushed salons of the fashion world, Prada has made official its acquisition of 100% of Versace from Capri Holdings. And the Milanese giant has made no secret of its delight. ‘We are delighted to welcome Versace into the fold of the Prada Group and to write a new chapter for this iconic fashion house’, said Patrizio Bertelli, head of the Prada Group, with the small, satisfied smile of someone who has just pulled off an excellent coup.

The deal will be financed by €1.5 billion in debt, proof that Prada is serious about its ambitions. Andrea Guerra, the group’s CEO, has assured us that Versace has ‘enormous potential’ and that it will take ‘time and discipline’ to drive this evolution. Translation: Donatella has done a good job, and now we’re going to roll out our plan gently.

And what about L.V? Well, it seems that the luxury octopus didn’t see this Trafalgar move coming. It has to be said that everyone imagined a Prada-LVMH duel for the Italian house, and yet Prada slipped quietly into the lead. Did The Lord have a momentary weakness? Or was he planning something even more spectacular? One thing’s for sure: this takeover will provide food for thought in the hushed offices of Avenue Montaigne.

Rendezvous in 2025 to see how this Italian-style marriage will evolve. One thing is certain: in the world of luxury, there is never a shortage of surprises. And this time, Prada has proved that you should never underestimate a well-dressed rival ready to do anything to win the moon… or a golden Medusa.