It’s official: Pieter Mulier is leaving his role at Alaïa after the label’s forthcoming Spring-Summer 2026 showcase, scheduled in March, during Paris Fashion Week Ready-to-Wear. After five consecutive years spent at the helm of the Tunisian Maison, he now prepares to take his final bow, closing a half-decade-long chapter spent reshaping the house’s codes and helping it transition after the passing of its founder in 2017.
The first creative director to assume tenancy over the house after Azzedine Alaia’s untimely death — the period between 2017 and 2021 having been stewarded by the studio’s own internal team — the Belgian designer steps away after reinstating the label’s spine, a feat considered near-impossible given the founder’s catalytic vision and irreplaceable hand.
“We sincerely thank Pieter for his vision and commitment, writing an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Maison,” said Myriam Serrano, Chief Executive Officer of Alaïa. “Over the past 5 years, Pieter and the exceptional team he led have shaped Alaïa’s creative renewal, honoring its heritage and strengthening the Maison’s relevance, confidence, and global recognition,” she added.
As of now, a successor has not been announced. A few names are floating around, notably Olivier Rousteing’s which keeps coming up, especially after his 14-year run at Balmain came to an end a few months ago. As for Mulier, the internet is convinced that he’s Versace-bound, but that’s purely speculative at this moment. One thing’s for sure though, the next few weeks are going to be interesting to watch.