Pieter Mulier, the distinguished creative director, is concluding his impactful journey with the esteemed fashion house, Alaïa. His tenure, which commenced in 2021, saw him continue the legacy of the late Azzedine Alaïa, infusing the brand with his signature blend of futurism, sensuality, and sculptural aesthetics. Before joining Alaïa, Mulier honed his craft alongside luminaries such as Raf Simons at Dior, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein. Throughout his leadership, Mulier's designs garnered significant acclaim, particularly among A-list celebrities who embraced his unique vision, cementing his influence on the global fashion landscape. This retrospective celebrates the iconic moments created under his creative direction.
A Retrospective of Pieter Mulier's Influential Alaïa Creations
In a significant development for the fashion world, Pieter Mulier is set to depart from his role as creative director at Alaïa. His journey began in 2021, taking the reins of the prestigious brand after the passing of its founder, Azzedine Alaïa, in 2017. Mulier's artistic prowess was widely recognized, earning him the International Award at the 2025 CFDA Awards, presented by Alaïa's muse, Naomi Campbell, signaling a clear endorsement from the brand's inner circle.
Mulier's unique aesthetic quickly captivated the celebrity sphere. One of the first to champion his designs was actress Zendaya, who at the Paris photocall for Dune, showcased a striking plum-toned, midriff-baring two-piece from Mulier's inaugural collection, paired with an eye-catching furry mermaid skirt. Model Kaia Gerber also became an early proponent, gracing the 2022 Academy Gala in a chic, body-hugging turtleneck dress complemented by a rich burgundy gathered skirt.
However, perhaps no celebrity embraced Mulier's vision more fervently than global superstar Rihanna. She consistently chose his creations for pivotal moments, both grand and intimate. For her much-anticipated return to the stage at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rihanna donned a custom cherry-red Alaïa jumpsuit, featuring a distinctive shiny breastplate. Mulier's designs also played a key role in defining her maternity style, from an aqua, cutout-adorned dress worn at the Cannes premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, to a hip-padded skirt and hooded crop top ensemble chosen for an outing to Giorgio Baldi. These collaborations highlight the profound impact Mulier had on shaping contemporary celebrity fashion.
Pieter Mulier's era at Alaïa underscores the power of a visionary designer to reinterpret a brand's heritage while forging a new, distinctive identity. His work has not only dressed some of the world's most influential figures but has also contributed to a broader conversation about modern femininity and sculptural elegance in fashion. The lasting impression of his tenure serves as a testament to his creative genius and his ability to seamlessly blend the past with a forward-thinking aesthetic, inspiring both his peers and future generations of designers.
