Pieter Mulier Exits Alaïa
After five years at the helm,Pieter Mulier is exiting Alaïa. He will conclude his tenure as creative director following the house’s upcoming show during Paris fashion week in March. While there has been no official confirmation of his next move, Mulier is widely speculated to be heading to Versace in Milan. Alaïa chief executive officer Myriam Serrano shared in a statement, “We sincerely thank Pieter for his vision and commitment, writing an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of the maison. Over the past five years, Pieter and the exceptional team he led have shaped Alaïa’s creative renewal, honoring its heritage while strengthening the maison’s relevance, confidence, and global recognition.” Mulier, who recently won International Designer of the Year at the 2025 CFDA Awards, leaves behind a defining era at Alaïa marked by innovative, experimental designs that felt both empowering and ultra-feminine. In the interim, the studio team will lead the house’s creative direction until a successor is announced. [WWD] Image courtesy of Getty (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.)
Pat McGrath Labs Files for Bankruptcy
Pat McGrath Labs has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A spokesperson for the company said, “During this process, the company will continue operations in the ordinary course of business while working to restructure its balance sheet and forge a path forward. Pat McGrath Labs remains committed to its community, customers, partners, and stakeholders as it continues delivering its signature high-quality products and culture-defining artistry and innovation.” Pat McGrath launched her makeup brand in 2015 and in 2018, the company received $60 million in funding from Eurazeo Brands; at the time, industry sources said the firm took an estimated 5 to 8 percent stake, valuing the business at more than $1 billion. In recent years, however, the brand sold at retailers including Sephora and Ulta Beauty, has faced operational challenges, executive turnover, and layoffs. Its valuation is now said to be a fraction of what it once was, with sales reportedly totaling around $50 million last year, according to industry sources. Meanwhile, McGrath’s recent appointment as beauty director for Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté makeup collection has raised questions about what the role could mean for the future of her namesake brand. [WWD]
L’Oréal Professionnel’s New Global Creative Contributors
L’Oréal Professionnel has announced its first-ever collective of Global Creative Contributors, a team of international hairstylists and colourists set to help shape the future of the brand. Spanning salons and runways, education and backstage, as well as editorial work, each member brings a unique perspective and a distinct aesthetic to their craft. Working alongside L’Oréal Professionnel’s in-house team, the collective will co-create content, professional education, events, and brand storytelling. The group includes Amit Thakur, Adina Pignatare, Ben Gregory, Brandon Pietsch, Cyndia Harvey, Cesar Deleon Ramirez, Devi Mark, Jawara, Jack Martin, Jacob Habib Khan, Kevin Jacotot, Malcolm Marquez, Min Kim, and Washington Nunnes. [L’Oréal]
Street Style at Couture S/S 26 Pt. 2
Check out the last days of street style at couture S/S 26 by Melodie Jeng here.
Jonathan Anderson’s Botanical Couture Debut at Dior
Jonathan Anderson presented a romantic botanical vision rooted in craft for his debut haute couture collection at Dior. With initial invites inspired by the cyclamen flowers John Galliano gifted him before his first Dior show, nature became both the symbol and structure of the collection summed up in the show notes: “When you copy nature, you always learn something.” With a thoughtful continuation of Christian Dior’s devotion to gardening and a cast by Ashley Brokaw, Anderson emphasized shape and proportion through sculptural gowns, floral motifs, and precise accessories, closed by Mona Tougaard as the bride in a delicate, petal-finished gown. See all the backstage shots by Sonny Vandevelde here.
Model of the Week: Hot Lister Jesse Sachet-Dufraisse is Fresh off the Dries Runway
On his favorite moment, “Without a doubt, it would have to be my debut with Saint Laurent. Such an amazing team and an unforgettable experience for my first show,” says Model of the Week Jesse Sachet-Dufraisse. Discover the Hot Lister’s passions, future plans, and the change he hopes to see in the world. Click the link here for the full story.
How Dance Shaped Photographer Emily Lipson’s Lens
Dance was the gateway to photography for American photographer Emily Lipson. Describing her work as a continual search for honesty in the image, Lipson speaks to her love of intimacy and process. For this Behind The Image, Models.com spotlights her career including work with brands like Diesel, Vivienne Westwood, and Tom Ford while exploring her current inspirations, something she’d like people to know about herself, and who she’s watching next. Read the full interview here.
Meet the Rookies Into Philosophy, Fine Art and Fantasy Worlds
The latest group of MDC Selects is here, read more about them here.
Also, don’t forget our fashion week content, with two runway spotlights at Chanel and Valentino, and a look back at the top walkers from the F/W 26 men’s season.
