Picture this: you’re flipping through a glossy magazine, spotting Rihanna owning the Super Bowl stage in a fiery red jumpsuit that hugs every curve like it was made for her—because, well, it was. That’s the magic Pieter Mulier brought to Alaïa during his five-year run as creative director, blending the house’s legendary body-con heritage with fresh, sculptural twists that had stars lining up. From red carpets to street snaps, his designs turned heads and sparked conversations, reminding me of the time I splurged on a knit dress that made me feel invincible at a party. Mulier’s era, from 2021 to 2026, wasn’t just about clothes; it was about empowering women through fabric that moved with them, and celebrities like Zendaya and Naomi Campbell became his ultimate canvases.
Pieter Mulier: The Visionary Behind Alaïa’s Modern Revival
Belgian-born Mulier stepped into big shoes when he took over Alaïa in 2021, following the late Azzedine Alaïa’s iconic legacy of form-fitting masterpieces. With a background under Raf Simons at Dior and Calvin Klein, he infused the brand with architectural precision and sensual futurism. His departure in 2026 to Versace marked the end of a chapter that boosted Alaïa’s sales and cultural buzz.
Alaïa’s Heritage and Mulier’s Touch
Founded by Azzedine in 1980, Alaïa became synonymous with empowering silhouettes that celebrated the female form, from laser-cut leather to seamless knits. Mulier honored this while evolving it, introducing bolder cutouts and innovative fabrics like recycled yarns. His collections felt like a dialogue between past and present, making pieces wearable yet aspirational.
Key Innovations Under Mulier
He pioneered hits like the Le Teckel bag and studded ballerinas, blending utility with edge. Celebrities gravitated to his maternity adaptations, proving fashion could be inclusive. I remember trying a similar knit at a sample sale—cozy yet chic, it echoed his philosophy of timeless sensuality.
Top Trends in Mulier’s Alaïa Designs
Sculptural volumes dominated, with dresses that draped like liquid metal or puffed into dramatic shapes. Cutouts revealed skin strategically, adding mystery without overexposure. Knits remained a staple, updated with metallic threads for a modern gleam that lit up any event.
Sculptural Silhouettes
Think balloon trousers and cocoon sleeves that transformed bodies into art. Rihanna’s hip-padded skirts exemplified this, turning pregnancy into a powerful statement. It’s like that oversized coat I wore once, feeling like a walking sculpture amid everyday chaos.
Bold Cutouts and Asymmetry
Asymmetrical hems and strategic slashes kept looks dynamic. Zendaya’s ab-baring ensembles highlighted this, blending vulnerability with strength. Humorously, it reminds me of attempting a DIY cutout—disaster, but Mulier’s were flawless.
Luxe Knits and Textures
From sheer meshes to plush furs, textures added depth. Miley Cyrus’s Met Gala look captured this tactile allure. Emotionally, these pieces evoke comfort, like wrapping in a favorite blanket but looking runway-ready.
Spotlight on Rihanna’s Alaïa Moments
Rihanna emerged as Mulier’s ultimate muse, wearing his designs for milestones that blended glamour with grit. Her choices amplified Alaïa’s sensuality, making pregnancy fashion revolutionary. Each outfit told a story of confidence and creativity.
Super Bowl Halftime Spectacle
In 2023, she stunned in a cherry red jumpsuit with a shiny breastplate, revealing her bump mid-performance. The look screamed power, much like my bold red dress at a concert—electrifying. It honored André Leon Talley while pushing boundaries.
Maternity Mastery at Giorgio Baldi
A hip-padded skirt and hooded crop top turned dinner into a fashion event. This Venus-like silhouette tugged at heartstrings, celebrating motherhood boldly. Reminds me of adapting outfits during life changes—empowering.
Cannes Premiere Glam
Her aqua cutout dress at the Highest 2 Lowest premiere shimmered with rebellion. It mixed vulnerability and strength, inspiring fans worldwide. Personally, it evokes that daring beach cover-up I wore, feeling free.
Zendaya’s Standout Alaïa Appearances
Zendaya’s collaborations with Mulier showcased youthful elegance, from photocalls to galas. Her looks balanced edge and poise, cementing her as a style icon. Each ensemble felt like a nod to Alaïa’s roots with a fresh spin.
Dune Paris Photocall
A plum two-piece with a furry mermaid skirt from Mulier’s debut collection turned heads. Ab-baring and dramatic, it was her first Alaïa under him. Like my first designer piece—thrilling and transformative.
Met Gala Magic
In a sculpted crocodile bolero over a turtleneck, she redefined gala attire. Age-appropriate yet bold, it sparked envy. Emotionally, it captures that perfect event outfit glow.
Naomi Campbell’s Timeless Alaïa Elegance
As Alaïa’s forever muse, Campbell wore Mulier’s pieces with supermodel grace at awards and shows. Her choices honored the house’s legacy while embracing evolution. It’s a bond that feels familial.
CFDA Awards Tribute
A white draped belted jumpsuit celebrated Mulier’s award win. Effortless and commanding, it mirrored her iconic status. Reminds me of dressing up for milestones—memorable.
Runway Returns
She closed shows in flowing gowns, blending nostalgia with now. Her presence added emotional depth, like reuniting with old friends.
Miley Cyrus and the Met Gala Moment
Cyrus brought rockstar energy to Mulier’s designs, making them pop on the carpet. Her choices highlighted Alaïa’s versatility beyond traditional glamour. It was rebellious yet refined.
Sculpted Crocodile Ensemble
At the 2025 Met Gala, her bolero and skirt combo was fierce. Textured and bold, it suited her vibe perfectly. Humorously, imagine wearing that to a casual brunch—heads would turn.
Other Celebrity Highlights
Stars like Kaia Gerber, Selena Gomez, and Jennie Kim embraced Mulier’s Alaïa for diverse occasions. Their looks ranged from body-con dresses to innovative separates. Each added personal flair.
- Kaia Gerber: Burgundy gathered skirt at Academy Gala—sexy and sophisticated.
- Selena Gomez: Plush coat for casual outings—cozy luxury.
- Jennie Kim: Asymmetrical mini at events—youthful edge.
- Vanessa Kirby: Sheer knit for premieres—subtle sensuality.
- Kim Kardashian: Leopard print jumpsuit—fierce and fitted.
Comparison: Mulier’s Alaïa vs. Azzedine’s Original Vision
Mulier respected Azzedine’s clingy aesthetics but added futurism, like padded hips versus classic corsets. While Azzedine focused on timeless black dresses, Mulier introduced colors and accessories. Both empowered, but Mulier’s felt more inclusive.
| Aspect | Azzedine Alaïa | Pieter Mulier |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Body-con knits, laser-cut leather | Sculptural volumes, cutouts |
| Celebrity Appeal | Supermodels like Naomi in ’90s | Modern stars like Rihanna in maternity |
| Innovation | Form-fitting silhouettes | Sustainable fabrics, accessories like Le Teckel |
| Accessibility | Elite couture | Broader ready-to-wear appeal |
Pros and Cons of Wearing Mulier’s Alaïa
Pros: Timeless investment, body-flattering, versatile for events. Cons: High price point, requires confidence for bold cuts. Overall, the empowerment outweighs any drawbacks.
What Is Alaïa Fashion?
Alaïa is a Paris-based house known for sculptural, sensual designs that celebrate curves. Under Mulier, it evolved with modern twists like asymmetric hems. It’s luxury that feels personal.
Where to Get Alaïa Pieces
Shop directly at Alaïa official site for authentic items. Resale platforms like The RealReal offer pre-loved gems. Boutiques in NYC or Paris stock exclusives.
Best Tools for Styling Alaïa-Inspired Looks
Use apps like Stylebook for virtual outfits or Pinterest for inspiration. For custom fits, tailors via Thumbtack help replicate Mulier’s precision. Affordable dupes at Zara mimic the vibe.
People Also Ask
- Who wore Pieter Mulier’s Alaïa designs? Stars like Rihanna, Zendaya, and Naomi Campbell frequently donned his sculptural pieces for red carpets and performances.
- What made Mulier’s Alaïa unique? He blended Azzedine’s body-con heritage with futuristic elements like padded silhouettes and cutouts.
- Where can I buy vintage Alaïa? Sites like Vestiaire Collective specialize in pre-owned luxury, including Mulier-era items.
- How did celebrities style Alaïa? Often with minimal accessories to let the dramatic shapes shine, as seen on Miley Cyrus at the Met Gala.
FAQ
Why did Pieter Mulier leave Alaïa?
After five years, he moved to Versace in 2026, seeking new challenges while leaving a legacy of innovation at Alaïa.
What are iconic Mulier Alaïa pieces?
Standouts include the red Super Bowl jumpsuit and plum mermaid skirts, known for sensuality and structure.
How to incorporate Alaïa style affordably?
Opt for high-street versions with body-hugging knits; layer cutout tops over basics for that Mulier edge.
Were there fashion risks in his designs?
Yes, bold cutouts pushed boundaries, but stars like Rihanna wore them confidently, turning risks into triumphs.
Where to find Alaïa dupes?
Brands like ASOS offer similar sculptural dresses; check our budget luxury guide for more.
Mulier’s Alaïa era reminded us fashion is about feeling seen and strong. From Rihanna’s game-changing maternity wear to Zendaya’s red-carpet revolutions, these looks inspire beyond the spotlight. If one piece could change your vibe, which would it be? Dive into our Azzedine Alaïa retrospective for the full story.