Antonin Tron Makes Balmain Debut & Pieter Mulier Shows Final Alaïa Collection in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• Paris Fashion Week saw major transitions as Antonin Tron debuted at Balmain while Pieter Mulier delivered a final, emotional collection for Alaïa.

• Streetwear marks new territory with BAPE’s first Canadian flagship and Kith’s expansive multi-year partnership with Swiss brand On.

• High-end fashion becomes accessible as Off-White hoodies arrive at Costco.

Balmain Reinterprets Its Roots in Antonin Tron’s FW26 Debut

Balmain

Antonin Tron’s debut as Creative Director at Balmain marks a shift toward a more “noir” and “austere” sensibility. Drawing inspiration from Pierre Balmain’s original 1946 couture collection, Tron presented a range defined by supple draping and slender silhouettes. While the collection pays homage to archival leopard prints and cinematic influences like Mulholland Drive, it retains the urban sexiness established during Olivier Rousteing’s tenure. The result is a refined balance of high-glamour evening wear and bold-shouldered, business-ready looks. Tron, an Antwerp Royal Academy graduate with a pedigree including Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, brings a minimalist Atlein ethos to the house, focusing on the interaction between fabric and the feminine form.

Pieter Mulier’s Final Collection Delivers an Emotional Swan Song at Alaïa

Alaia

Pieter Mulier concluded his transformative five-year tenure at Maison Alaïa with a breathtaking Fall/Winter 2026 presentation at Paris Fashion Week. The collection demonstrated his architectural restraint, emphasizing sculptural silhouettes and rigorous construction that honored the late Azzedine Alaïa’s legacy. The final show marks the start of Mulier’s move to Versace, which was confirmed in early February. The designer’s appointment came after the more than $1 billion USD sale of Versace to the Prada Group, announced in 2025. As Mulier turns the page, he reunites with long-time collaborator Raf Simons, who currently helms Prada.⁠

BAPE Enters Canada With First-Ever Store in Vancouver

Bape

Japanese streetwear fixture A Bathing Ape (BAPE) has officially expanded into the Canadian market with its first flagship store in Vancouver. Located at 1028 Alberni Street, the new retail space sits within the city’s prestigious luxury corridor, positioning the brand alongside top-tier fashion houses. The opening is a significant milestone in BAPE’s North American expansion strategy, which already includes hubs in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. To celebrate the launch, the store is offering exclusive, limited-edition items designed specifically for the Vancouver market. This move reflects the brand’s commitment to culturally influential cities and its continued influence on global streetwear culture, providing a new home for “fearless self-expression” in Canada.

Kith and On Announce Multi-Year Partnership and Launch the Kith Run Team

Kith

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Kith has announced a multi-year partnership with Swiss performance brand On. The collaboration kicks off with the Spring 2026 collection, featuring two exclusive sneaker silhouettes: the performance-oriented K-Tech 1 and the lifestyle-ready K-Tech 2. Both models utilize On’s signature CloudTec® cushioning and custom Kith monogram outsoles. Beyond footwear, the partnership includes a full range of co-branded technical apparel and accessories. To further integrate the brands into the community, they have launched the “Kith Run Team” in New York City, which is currently training for an upcoming half-marathon in April. The collection is set for a global release across Kith’s flagship markets, including London, Paris, and Tokyo.

Costco Is Selling Off-White Hoodies?

Costco

In a surprising move for the luxury label, Off-White hoodies have appeared on the shelves of select Costco Canada locations. Priced at approximately $60 USD ($84.99 CAD), the logo hoodies are available in black, white, and blue. This shift toward mass-market retail follows the brand’s recent acquisition by Bluestar Alliance, LLC, after LVMH sold the label in 2024. While the move sparks debate regarding the brand’s authenticity, in a certain sense, it aligns with founder Virgil Abloh’s original “democratic” spirit and his history of incorporating everyday symbols into high fashion. The hoodies follow other streetwear staples recently found at Costco, such as Nike Dunks and CDG Play Converse, signaling the retailer’s growing interest in hype-driven streetwear drops.

The Virgil Abloh Archive™ Officially Launches ‘The Virgil Reader Vol. 001’ and Public Membership

Virgil Abloh Archive

The Virgil Abloh Archive™ (V.A.A.), stewarded by Shannon Abloh, has launched major initiatives to share the late creator’s 20,000-piece body of work. The highlight is The Virgil Reader Vol. 001, a printed publication compiling foundational interviews and design insights. Alongside the book, the Archive introduced a free public membership program that provides digital excerpts, exclusive newsletters, and priority access to future drops. This “open-door” policy honors Abloh’s belief that ideas are most powerful when shared. To celebrate the rollout, a two-day community activation featuring talks and screenings is scheduled for mid-March in Los Angeles.