V’s spring parade of models—from breakout newcomers to enduring industry legends—continues with Polish top model Malgosia Bela in Pieter Mulier’s final collection for the house of Maison Alaia. 

A music and literature student from Poland with plans far from the runway, Bela made her debut in the ’90s—around the same time when V made its own debut—and quickly became one of the season’s most sought-after faces, landing standout runway moments and leading campaigns in her very first season. “I knew nothing about fashion when I first started in 1998, so all the stress and responsibility for the proper introduction fell on my agents at the time… Forever grateful!” 

With that trajectory behind her, she has little interest in the mythology of the “perfect” first impression. “I believe one should try to be the best version of oneself, show your character and personality. For some young people today, that could mean being polished. I was definitely a raw kind.”

V: What’s your favorite part about spring? Are there any fond memories you associate with the season?

Malgosia Bela: I think its a universal feeling, we all love spring, especially after a long and harsh winter. It always feels good to put away heavy coats and boots!

V: Many of the Spring 2026 collections we’re debuts for certain designers, opening a larger conversation on fashion’s need for renewal. How are you feeling about the recent creative shake-ups at these fashion houses?

MB: “I’ve been around long enough (almost three decades!) to know that shake-ups are a good thing. Fashion is about constant change; in that sense, it reflects the state of the world.”—Malgosia Bela

V: What excites you most about the current state of modeling today?

MB: I have to say, I quite enjoy my dinosaur status. I don’t get panicked or stressed out about jobs happening or not, I seem to know what to expect and then I still get surprised once in a while, especially when it comes to the creative process of making images. With the right team it still can be exciting!

V: A designer’s debut collection is often a statement of identity. Do you remember what you wanted your first major season to say about you? How did you personally manage the pressure of being ‘introduced’ to the industry?

MB: As they say, ignorance is bliss. I knew nothing about fashion when I first started in 1998, so all the stress and responsibility for the proper introduction fell on my agents at the time…  forever grateful!

V: What do you think are the parallels between a model’s first runway moment and a designer presenting their first collection?

MB: A new designer knows exactly what they are doing, they create a whole collection that is being judged and criticized. My first runway moments? Focus on the shoes, try not trip… Doesn’t  bear comparison!

V: Have you ever felt like you were growing alongside a designer who was just starting out? What was that experience like?

MB: Maybe back in late 90s I felt like this with Nicolas Ghesquiere’s Balenciaga for a few seasons. Again, the pressure on him had nothing to do with my fear of ruining his show with a spectacular fall, but there was a moment when I felt we were all in this together. Beautiful memory!

V: Are there any designers from the current landscape of fashion whose work you feel especially connected to?

MB: My job as a model is to try and fit into the designer’s or a photographer’s vision. I feel lucky to be versatile enough to be able to convey different characters, not only a sophisticated unapproachable girl, but also a healthy athletic kind.

V: Do you believe it’s better for a debut—model or designer—to be perfectly polished, or slightly raw?

MB: I believe one should try to be the best version of oneself, show your character and personality. For some young people today that could mean being polished. I was definitely a raw kind. But times were different, too….

This story appears in the pages of V159: now available for purchase!

Photography Chris Colls
Fashion George Cortina
Model Malgosia Bela (Dna models)
Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Stephen Gan
Makeup Mark Carrasquillo (Streeters)
Hair Bob Recine
Manicure Honey (Exposure)
Casting Goran Macura
Executive Producer Dana Brockman (Viewfinders)
Producer Max Bonbrest (Viewfinders)
Production Assistant T. Harper
Digital Technician Jeanine Robinson
Movement Director Marly Phillips Nicol
Director of Editorial Film Mynxii White
Location Untitled Studios
Equipment Alex Bova
Photo Assistants Daniil Zaikin, Ben Carhartt
Styling Assistants Moses Moreno, Trevor McMullan,
Jared Benhart, Mary Reinehr Gigler
Tailor Yaqi Sun (Atelier YQS)
Makeup Assistants Shoko Sawatari, Yuui Vision
Hair Assistant Shinya Iwamoto
Set Designer Happy Massee (La La Land)
Set Design Assistant Kevin Murphy