2026 has only just begun, and already, Creative Director departures are making headlines. While nothing quite compares to last year’s seemingly nonstop reshuffling, the latest announcement arrives hot on the heels of the Alaïa Summer Fall 2026 collection presentation in March. It has just been announced that Pieter Mulier will conclude his tenure as Creative Director of Maison Alaïa.
Maison Alaïa Announces the Departure of Pieter Mulier
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Alaïa Summer Fall 2026 Collection. Photos courtesy of Alaïa.
In 2021, Mulier was notably the first creative director to succeed brand founder Azzedine Alaïa, a role with some big shoes to fill. While his next role hasn’t yet been confirmed, rumours have already been circulating. Some suggest he will accept an opportunity at Versace to succeed Dario Vitale. Though for now, speculation remains just that.
Maison Alaïa Announces the Departure of Pieter Mulier
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Alaïa Summer Fall 2026 Collection. Photos courtesy of Alaïa.
During his tenure at Alaïa, Mulier delivered several major moments charged with creative energy. Some highlights include a show inspired by the Guggenheim Museum’s artistic language and his Summer Fall RTW 2024 collection, in which he created an entire collection from a single merino wool yarn. Meanwhile, for Fall 2025, exaggerated ‘fabric donuts’ framed faces and nestled on hips like lifebuoy rings, clearly playing with proportions.
Maison Alaïa Announces the Departure of Pieter Mulier
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Alaïa Summer Fall 2026 Collection. Photos courtesy of Alaïa.
At his Alaïa debut show, it was clear he was dedicated to translating traditional show codes for a younger audience’s appetite. And he did just that. He’s the genius behind the viral (Gen-Z-approved) mesh ballerina shoes that have been everywhere—and were duped by so many brands thanks to the hype.
WWD reports that Mulier significantly doubled the brand’s business and expanded its retail network by opening 20 new stores. His creativity and vision are clearly key drivers of this success, and his absence will be felt. Mulier’s last show for Alaïa is scheduled for March during Paris Fashion Week, where the world will bid a final farewell to his talent at the house. A successor has not yet been named.
Feature image courtesy of Alaïa.
