Pieter Mulier to Step Down as Creative Director of Alaïa After Five-Year Tenure

Pieter Mulier, the distinguished Creative Director of the legendary fashion house Alaïa, officially concluded his tenure on January 30, 2026, marking the end of a highly successful five-year leadership period. His departure signals a major transition for the brand, which he has led since his appointment in 2021. Mulier held the unique distinction of being the first creative lead to take the helm following the death of the house’s iconic founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. His final creative contribution, the Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collection, is slated for a high-profile debut in March 2026 during the prestigious Paris Fashion Week.

Throughout his time at the Maison, Mulier was praised for his ability to honor the brand's heritage while introducing a fresh, contemporary perspective. Myriam Serrano, the CEO of Alaïa, expressed her deep gratitude for Mulier’s role in the brand’s creative rejuvenation, noting that his vision significantly strengthened Alaïa’s global market position and cultural relevance. Drawing on his extensive experience working alongside Raf Simons at Jil Sander and Dior, Mulier successfully integrated sleek, modernist sensibilities into the sculptural silhouettes that define the House. This artistic direction translated into substantial commercial growth, driven largely by the popularity of the Le Teckel handbag and the brand’s high-demand knitwear lines.

Under Mulier’s strategic direction, the business performance of Alaïa—which operates under the luxury conglomerate Richemont—reportedly doubled in size. This period of prosperity also saw the brand’s retail network expand to include 20 dedicated boutiques. As the industry looks toward the future, the question of Mulier’s successor has become a central topic of discussion. One name frequently mentioned as a potential candidate is Olivier Rousteing, who recently made headlines by departing Balmain on November 5, 2025, after a celebrated 14-year run as its creative lead.

Speculation regarding Mulier’s own future has also intensified, with many industry insiders suggesting a potential move to Versace. The creative directorship at Versace became available following the departure of Dario Vitale on December 12, 2025. Vitale’s exit came less than nine months after he assumed the role in March 2025. This leadership change occurred in the wake of a massive industry shift, as the Prada Group finalized its acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings for a total of $1.375 billion. These rapid changes at the executive level reflect a broader period of transformation within the global luxury sector.

As Alaïa prepares for its next chapter, the brand’s internal design studio will assume responsibility for creative direction on an interim basis until a new permanent structure is announced. This ensures that the house maintains its momentum and design standards during the transition period. The fashion world now looks forward to the March 2026 showcase in Paris, which will serve as both a celebration of Mulier’s achievements and a final look at his influential aesthetic for the storied French label.