Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa's body-con designs defined the aesthetic of Paris in the '80s. Today, revered for his originality and innovation, Alaïa maintains his title of 'King of Cling'. The brand's intricate footwear, statement bags and laser-cut belts will elevate any look to new fashion heights.

If you ask any fashion professional what are the latest myths of haute couture that have just left us, Hubert de Givenchy and Azzedine Alaïa will be the first names quoted. Discreet, not talkative, Azzedine Alaïa, small by size and huge by talent, built since its birth in the early 40s in Tunisia to his death last winter an empire of style, far from bling bling and marketing. As for women and stars, they are totally addicted to its timeless work that hovers over the modes of sculptural dress in black and bright jacket.

Born to Spanish parents, raised by his grandmother in Tunis, he regularly attends Ciné Soir cinema where he discovers the stars he will eventually dress. He lies on his age to attend younger than expected the Fine Arts of Tunis, and flies to Paris where he found a place at Dior. Returned because he had no papers, he worked for Charles Jourdan: his first collection of shoes described as sadomasochist is not broadcast, but it notes a few journalists. He eventually settles on his own, and attracts all Paris, from Arletty to Greta Garbo through the dancers Crazy Horse. He does not make collections: he sews for clients, and his clothes are only available at the workshop. A certain idea of luxury, exclusivity, but also exceptional craftsmanship. Fascinated by the body, and the lower back, it exalts a feminine sensuality which makes women think that they have finally found the dress of their life.

He does not organize fashion shows; the models invest their apartment, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista or Stephanie Seymour fight to wear his creations, or to dine in his Parisian kitchen alongside Tina Turner or Michel Rocard.

Alaïa could without exaggerated excessive being qualified of genius of the seam. Her clothes have become institutions, museum pieces ... Do not hesitate, Alaïa is deserved, is rare, and his style loving and respectful of women disappeared with him.

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