No Successor Named as Richemont Reorganizes Creative Structure
Alaïa confirmed on Friday that Pieter Mulier will step down as Creative Director following the presentation of the Summer Fall 2026 collection this March during Paris Fashion Week. No successor has been named, and the studio will oversee continuity during the interim.
“Following the presentation of the Alaïa Summer Fall 2026 collection in March, Pieter Mulier will conclude his tenure as Creative Director of Maison Alaïa. The studio will ensure continuity in the interim period until a creative organization is confirmed,” the brand said in a press release.
The announcement follows a five-year tenure marked by product growth, retail expansion, and critical acclaim for Mulier, who joined the house in 2021. His next move was not disclosed, though rumored in December that he is expected to join Versace, which is owned by Prada Group.
During his time at Alaïa, Mulier built on founder Azzedine Alaïa’s legacy of sculptural design and couture craftsmanship. Richemont noted the house’s creative values in its official statement: “The Maison’s creative approach has always been focused on its mission: celebrating the power of femininity and the timelessness of beauty through exceptional craftsmanship. This mission is supported by a culture that values creative exploration, transcending any one individual, and lives through the hands, eyes, and sensibilities of the Maison’s teams – the Alaïa family.”
Mulier’s arrival coincided with a strategy to reassert Alaïa’s design identity while expanding the house’s business. Richemont and Alaïa executives acknowledged that impact.
“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 five 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.”
Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion & Accessories Maisons at Richemont, said, “Alaïa is a Maison guided by timelessness, independence, and exceptional craftsmanship. This next chapter will be guided by those values and by the strength of the collective talent that defines Alaïa.”
The designer was praised for reshaping the accessories offering with items like the mesh ballerina flats, Teckel handbags, and Le Click, and for helping grow the store network from five to 20 standalone locations. Alaïa has more than doubled in size since Mulier joined, according to WWD.
Last year, Alaïa was named a “notable growth driver” by Richemont, though its fashion and leather goods division saw flat performance in its most recent quarter. Sales for individual houses were not broken out.
Mulier previously worked alongside Raf Simons at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein. His architectural background helped shape Alaïa collections that began with 3D forms rather than flat sketches.
He was recognized as International Designer of the Year at the 2025 CFDA Awards. His designs, like the Guggenheim show collection created without traditional closures, were noted for technical experimentation.
As the designer prepares for his final collection at Alaïa this March, Richemont closed its statement: “As we look ahead, we warmly wish Pieter Mulier every success in his future endeavours; he will always remain part of the Alaïa family.”