Changes among designers in the fashion industry continue to unfold. Pieter Mulier is leaving Alaïa after a remarkable five-year tenure. Mulier became the first creative director to lead the Paris-based fashion house following the passing of its founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. With each collection, the Belgian designer has elevated Alaïa to new heights, showcasing his architectural and refined sensibility. The Richemont-owned brand, which has seen a 52% year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, confirmed the designer’s departure and stated that “the studio will ensure continuity in the interim period until a creative organization is confirmed.” Mulier is set to conclude his role as creative director after the Summer/Fall 2026 show presentation during Paris Fashion Week this March. Rumors are swirling that Mulier may be heading to Versace following the unexpected exit of Dario Vitale.
Revisit the Alaïa Winter Spring 2026 Collection
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“OMG, no. I just do not see him at Versace! WHY?” [Salvatore]
“I mean at least he’s competent. Versace could’ve ended up in the hands of someone much worse.” [Squizree]
“Hopefully more 70/80’s Versace when it comes to womenswear. If he does the same thing he did at CK but with Versace in the menswear with hot models, it could work.” [Lola701]
“Pieter at Versace will be another disaster. One more for the collection of fashion disasters from the 2020s.” [jeanclaude]
“While Mulier’s tastes and aesthetic don’t really suit the “Versace Canon”, he is what the brand needs right now: a respected creative lead that the industry takes seriously. As of Alaïa, they’re kinda f*cked. Mulier was on a roll, and a poor choice of successor will throw the brand back into 2017-2021 era obscurity.” [LadyJunon]
“I think what keeps me optimistic about Mulier’s appointment at Versace is that Prada is taking the house seriously. It shows they want Versace’s design credibility restored and its cultural impact to go beyond the red carpet. Mulier is technically elite and a serious editorial force.” [Squizree]
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