Alaïa
Richemont · France
Alaïa is a Paris luxury house founded in 1964 by Tunisian-born couturier Azzedine Alaïa, famous for sculpted, body-conscious dresses and knitwear. It is part of Richemont, which took a stake in 2007. Pieter Mulier, creative director since 2021, announced his departure in January 2026.
| Founded | 1964, Paris |
|---|---|
| Founder | Azzedine Alaïa |
| Owner | Richemont (stake taken in 2007) |
| CEO | Myriam Serrano |
| Stores | 28 (Richemont) |
| Signature | Sculpted knit and leather dresses |
| Website | maison-alaia.com |
What is Alaïa?
Alaïa is a French luxury house known for precisely constructed, figure-hugging clothes. Richemont, its owner, lists ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories, with leather as a core material and expertise in knitwear, denim, poplin and embellishments such as studs and eyelets.
History
Azzedine Alaïa founded the house in Paris in 1964, according to Richemont. He opened his first atelier on rue de Bellechasse in 1979 and presented his first ready-to-wear collection in 1980. His clothes reached Bergdorf Goodman in New York in 1982, and in 1984 he was named best designer of the year at the Oscars de la Mode. Boutiques opened in New York, Beverly Hills and Paris in 1988.
In 2000 Alaïa entered a partnership with the Prada group, which developed footwear and leather goods. In 2007 he bought back the house and its name from Prada, and Richemont took a stake the same year. Azzedine Alaïa died in November 2017. Belgian designer Pieter Mulier became creative director in 2021 and, after five years, announced in January 2026 that he would leave after the March 2026 show. No successor had been officially confirmed at the time of the announcement.
Products and positioning
Alaïa is positioned at the top of the luxury market, with a focus on clothing rather than seasonal trends. Under Richemont it has developed leather goods and footwear into larger categories. A first fragrance was launched in 2015 with Beauté Prestige International.
Business model and distribution
Richemont reports a network of 28 Alaïa stores, complemented by wholesale through high-end department stores and the brand's own online shop. Myriam Serrano is chief executive.
Why it matters
Alaïa is a rare example of a designer-led house that built lasting influence on its own schedule. Its next creative chapter is an important test for Richemont's fashion and accessories division.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Alaïa?
Alaïa is part of the Swiss luxury group Richemont, which took a stake in the house in 2007. It sits in Richemont's fashion and accessories division alongside Chloé and Dunhill.
Who is the creative director of Alaïa?
Pieter Mulier led Alaïa from 2021 and announced in January 2026 that he would leave after the March 2026 show. At the time of the announcement, no successor had been officially named and the studio worked collectively.