Pieter Mulier To Exit Alaïa Following Summer–Fall 2026 Show
Breaking news out of Paris: Alaïa has confirmed that Pieter Mulier will step down as creative director following the house’s Summer–Fall 2026 presentation during Paris Fashion Week this March, concluding a five-year tenure at the helm.
The Belgian designer joined the Parisian maison three years after the death of founder Azzedine Alaïa, the Tunisian-born couturier revered for his exacting craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to hyper-feminine, figure-sculpting silhouettes. Under Mulier’s leadership, the house entered a new creative era while remaining deeply anchored in its founder’s legacy.
In an official statement, Alaïa shared that its studio team will “ensure continuity in the interim period until a creative organization is confirmed,” while extending warm wishes to Mulier. “We wish him every success in his future endeavors; he will always remain part of the Alaïa family,” the brand said.
Industry sources report that Mulier is expected to take on a new role at Versace in Milan. An announcement from Prada Group— which acquired the Italian fashion house last year — is anticipated as early as Monday.
Alaïa did not name a successor or provide a timeline for the appointment, noting that the search is still in its early stages.
On Friday, both Alaïa and parent company Compagnie Financière Richemont expressed gratitude for Mulier’s contributions, emphasizing the house’s strong foundations and a culture that prioritizes creative exploration beyond any single individual.
“We sincerely thank Pieter for his vision and commitment, writing an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of the maison,” said Alaïa CEO Myriam Serrano. “Over the past five years, Pieter and the exceptional team he led have shaped Alaïa’s creative renewal, honoring its heritage while strengthening its global relevance, confidence, and recognition.”
Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion & Accessories Maisons at Richemont, echoed those sentiments, reinforcing that Alaïa remains guided by “timelessness, independence, and exceptional craftsmanship.” He added, “This next chapter will be led by those values and by the strength of the collective talent that defines Alaïa.”
Mulier was named International Designer of the Year at the 2025 CFDA Awards, recognized for his daring approach and experimental sensibility. After studying design and architecture at ESA Saint-Luc in Brussels, he began his career at Raf Simons’ menswear label in Antwerp, later expanding into womenswear and accessories alongside Simons at Jil Sander.
He continued to work closely with Simons at Dior before following him to New York, where Simons became chief creative officer of Calvin Klein. There, Mulier was appointed creative director, overseeing the execution of Simons’ vision across men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, bridge and better apparel, and accessories.
Mulier is now expected to fill a creative vacancy at Versace following the departure of Dario Vitale, formerly ready-to-wear design director at Miu Miu, who exited the house last December just months after his debut show. It is understood that Versace has long been on Mulier’s radar.
Photos Credit: Pieter Mulier’s Instagram
