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The Best of Pieter Mulier’s Alaïa, As Seen on Celebrities
Pieter Mulier stepped into the role of creative director at Alaïa in 2021 with big shoes to fill after Azzedine Alaïa’s passing. What he delivered over five years was a fresh fusion of sculptural futurism, sensual body-hugging fits, and clever nods to the house’s archives that made stars line up to wear it. From red carpets to casual outings, his designs turned heads and sparked conversations, proving Alaïa could feel both timeless and totally now. If you’re hunting for the standout celebrity moments that defined his era, you’re in the right place.
Pieter Mulier’s Revolutionary Take on Alaïa’s Legacy
Mulier arrived with serious credentials from working alongside Raf Simons at Dior and Jil Sander, but he quickly made Alaïa his own by blending precision tailoring with playful volume. He kept the brand’s signature cling and curve-enhancing cuts while adding modern twists like padded hips and mesh details that felt fresh yet faithful. Celebrities noticed immediately because his pieces flattered real bodies without apology, and that authenticity is what kept the buzz alive until his emotional farewell show in March 2026.
Why Celebrities Flocked to Mulier’s Designs
What set Mulier’s Alaïa apart was its mix of high drama and everyday wearability that let stars shine without trying too hard. Actresses loved the sculptural shapes for photos that popped on every feed, while musicians turned to the sensual knits for stage presence that screamed confidence. You could feel the emotional pull in how these looks celebrated femininity in all its forms, making fans root for more long after the runway lights dimmed.
Zendaya: From Dune to Red Carpets in Alaïa
Zendaya jumped on the Mulier bandwagon early and never looked back, turning Alaïa into her go-to for major moments. Her choices always felt intentional, mixing bold exposure with elegant tailoring that highlighted her effortless cool. Whether it was a photocall or premiere, she made every piece look like it was custom-made just for her vibe.
The Iconic Plum Two-Piece That Started It All
That ab-baring plum crop top and furry mermaid skirt from Mulier’s debut Spring 2022 collection stole the show at Zendaya’s Dune Paris photocall. The cutouts and texture play showed off Mulier’s knack for blending sexy with sculptural, and Zendaya wore it with that signature poise that made the whole look instantly iconic. It was the perfect launchpad for what was to come from the new Alaïa era.
Rihanna: The Ultimate Mulier Muse Who Owned Every Look
Rihanna didn’t just wear Alaïa by Mulier; she lived in it through pregnancies, performances, and private dinners, proving the designs could handle real-life glow-ups. Her choices highlighted the brand’s versatility, from high-shine stage armor to soft maternity-friendly cutouts that felt empowering rather than restrictive. No wonder she became the face of his tenure—her confidence elevated every silhouette to legend status.
Super Bowl Halftime Showstopper in Cherry Red
For the 2023 Super Bowl, Rihanna rocked a cherry red jumpsuit with a glossy breastplate that screamed power and playfulness all at once. Mulier’s take on futuristic shine met her bold energy perfectly, turning a performance into a fashion event that fans still talk about. It was pure Mulier magic: technical enough to move on stage yet sexy enough to own the spotlight.
Maternity Magic at Cannes and Beyond
At the Highest 2 Lowest Cannes premiere, Rihanna’s aqua cutout-riddled dress hugged her bump in the most flattering way, thanks to Mulier’s clever draping that celebrated curves instead of hiding them. Later, her hip-padded skirt and hooded crop top for a simple Giorgio Baldi outing showed how his designs worked for everyday glamour too. These looks captured the joy of motherhood with zero compromise on style.
Kaia Gerber and the Supermodel Seal of Approval
Kaia Gerber embraced Mulier’s Alaïa right from the start, wearing body-con pieces that echoed the house’s heritage while feeling utterly modern. Her red-carpet choices highlighted the technical knitwork and gathered skirts that became Mulier signatures. As a next-gen face of fashion, she helped introduce his vision to a younger audience craving sophisticated sensuality.
Body-Con Turtleneck with Burgundy Flair
At the 2022 Academy Gala, Kaia’s sexy turtleneck dress paired with a burgundy gathered skirt showed off Mulier’s mastery of proportion and texture. The fit skimmed her figure just right, proving his designs could be both modest and magnetic. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why Alaïa under Mulier felt relevant again.
Red Carpet Powerhouses Who Made Mulier Alaïa Their Signature
Stars like Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie, and Jennifer Lawrence turned to Mulier’s Alaïa for events where elegance met edge, choosing pieces that photographed like dreams but felt comfortable in real time. From Met Gala twists to film premieres, these women proved the designs translated across body types and occasions. Their repeated wears built a loyal celebrity fanbase that kept the brand buzzing.
Signature Sculptural Elements Celebrities Loved Most
Mulier’s collections featured recurring motifs that celebs couldn’t get enough of, from padded hips to waterfall knit skirts that moved like liquid. These elements added volume without bulk, creating that signature Alaïa hourglass while staying true to modern minimalism. Fans still hunt for vintage Mulier pieces because they deliver instant wow factor.
- Padded Hips and Structured Volume: Gave everyday outfits a sculptural lift, as seen on Rihanna’s casual outings.
- Cutout Details with Precision: Exposed skin strategically, perfect for Zendaya’s bold photocalls.
- Knit Technology at Its Finest: Engineered jersey that hugged without squeezing, a hit on red carpets.
- Furry and Textural Accents: Added playful contrast, like Zendaya’s mermaid skirt moment.
- Tailored Leather and Coats: Brought edge to evening wear, favored by models like Vittoria Ceretti.
Le Teckel Bag and Accessories That Completed the Celebrity Looks
Mulier’s accessories, especially the elongated Le Teckel bag and mesh ballet flats, became must-haves that celebs paired with his clothing for full-head-to-toe Alaïa moments. These pieces offered practicality with high-fashion flair, turning simple outfits into statement ensembles. Their viral appeal helped push Alaïa into mainstream conversations beyond the runway.
How Mulier’s Alaïa Differed from the Original House Codes
Mulier honored Azzedine’s clingy legacy but infused it with Belgian minimalism and Raf Simons-inspired precision that felt less theatrical and more wearable. Where the founder leaned into dramatic cutouts, Mulier added subtle architecture like ribbed waists and cocoon shapes for a quieter power. This evolution kept loyalists happy while attracting new fans who wanted sophistication with a twist.
| Aspect | Azzedine Alaïa Original | Pieter Mulier Era |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette Focus | Extreme cling & cutouts | Sculptural volume + padded details |
| Fabric Innovation | Laser leather & knits | Single-yarn wool & reflective yarns |
| Celebrity Appeal | Supermodel classics | A-list versatility & maternity |
| Overall Vibe | Bold ’80s drama | Futuristic sensuality with ease |
Pros and Cons of Channeling Mulier Alaïa in Your Own Wardrobe
Wearing these designs comes with real perks but a few practical considerations too. The pros often outweigh the cons for anyone who values quality craftsmanship that lasts seasons. Here’s a quick breakdown based on what celebs and stylists rave about.
Pros:
- Flattering fit that enhances curves without restriction.
- Versatile for day-to-night transitions.
- Timeless investment pieces with strong resale value.
- Celebrity-inspired confidence boost in every wear.
Cons:
- Higher price point that demands careful budgeting.
- Some sculptural elements require confident styling.
- Limited availability since Mulier’s tenure ended.
- Needs proper care to maintain knit integrity.
Recreating Celebrity Alaïa Looks on a Budget
You don’t need a red-carpet invite to channel Mulier’s magic—focus on body-skimming knits and structured accessories from high-street dupes. Pair a ribbed turtleneck with a gathered midi skirt for that Kaia Gerber energy, or add padded details via belts for Rihanna vibes. Online marketplaces still carry authentic Mulier-era pieces if you hunt smart.
The Emotional Farewell and Lasting Impact
Mulier’s final collection in March 2026 stripped things back to pure form, honoring Alaïa’s roots while leaving space for the next chapter. Celebs and editors gave him a standing ovation, and the moment felt like a full-circle thank-you for five years of innovation. His departure to Versace left fans excited yet nostalgic for what he built at the house.
People Also Ask About Pieter Mulier’s Alaïa on Celebrities
What celebrities have worn Alaïa by Pieter Mulier the most?
Rihanna leads with multiple high-profile moments, followed closely by Zendaya and Kaia Gerber, who each wore standout pieces from his early collections.
Did Pieter Mulier leave Alaïa?
Yes, he wrapped up his tenure in early 2026 after presenting his final Fall collection, heading to Versace as the new creative director.
What makes Mulier’s Alaïa designs unique for red carpets?
The blend of futuristic sculpting and body-positive sensuality creates looks that photograph dramatically yet feel empowering in person.
Are there affordable ways to get Mulier-era Alaïa style?
Vintage resale sites and inspired high-street pieces capture the knit textures and padded silhouettes without the full price tag.
How did Mulier update Alaïa for modern celebrities?
He added maternity-friendly cuts, playful textures, and versatile tailoring that suited busy A-listers beyond traditional runway drama.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Mulier’s Alaïa Celebrity Moments
What was Pieter Mulier’s first big celebrity Alaïa moment?
Zendaya’s plum two-piece at the Dune photocall in late 2021 kicked things off, showcasing his debut collection’s bold mix of crop tops and furry skirts.
Which Rihanna Alaïa look by Mulier is considered the most iconic?
Her cherry red Super Bowl jumpsuit stands out for its stage-ready shine and empowering silhouette that defined her return to performing.
Can you still buy authentic Pieter Mulier Alaïa pieces?
Yes, through the official Alaïa site archives, resale platforms like The RealReal, or select boutiques carrying past seasons.
How did Mulier’s designs influence broader celebrity fashion trends?
They popularized padded hips, engineered knits, and sculptural volume that trickled into mainstream collections and street style.
What’s next after Mulier at Alaïa?
The in-house team is steering the ship for now, with fans eagerly watching how his legacy shapes future collections.
Mulier’s time at Alaïa proved that great design isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating pieces that make women feel unstoppable. Whether you’re reminiscing over Rihanna’s maternity glow or plotting your next statement buy, these celebrity moments capture the heart of what made his era unforgettable. Grab a coffee, scroll back through the looks, and let the inspiration sink in. Fashion like this doesn’t come around every season, and we’re lucky to have witnessed it on the world’s biggest stars.
