November 13, 2024 | GRLA x Balenciaga

On November 13, GRLA welcomed Vira Capeci, CEO of Balenciaga Americas, to the Hilltop for a discussion on her fascinating career spanning nearly three decades. The conversation with Ms. Capeci was generously moderated by Jimmy Lynn, Adjunct Lecturer in Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

Fashion has been an integral part of Ms. Capeci’s life from a young age, as she immersed herself in her family’s clothing store and developed a love of clothing. Before her tenure at Balenciaga, Ms. Capeci spent nearly a decade at Moschino and built an impressive 13-year career at LVMH. She notably held the position of President of Céline, where she led the brand’s transformative relaunch under the creative direction of Phoebe Philo. During this time, Ms. Capeci also served as President of Givenchy, managing both brands simultaneously—a rare dual leadership that ended in 2009 when she dedicated herself fully to Céline. In 2017, Ms. Capeci joined the storied house of Balenciaga, where she has overseen the brand’s operations as President of the Americas.

Ms. Capeci’s strategic vision and expertise in luxury fashion have made her a key figure in the industry, recognized for her ability to revitalize legacy brands and steer them toward new heights of success. Students received advice that the luxury industry will continue to change, and that future leaders in the industry must pursue a mindset of continual learning and developing relationships. In the fashion industry, Ms. Capeci affirmed the importance of “leaving a legacy” no matter what one’s role is and leading others the way they would like to be led. Finally, Ms. Capeci emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, as Balenciaga does through their partnership with the National Children's Alliance (NCA).