I only recently became aware of the amazing influence of Azzedine Alaia. His work is made with consideration of body consciousness so that his pieces hang off the woman's figure specifically to make her feel divine, as if you wouldn't feel divine in such clothes anyway. I was intrigued by this magician of couture's work because of the privacy of this fashion house, which has such a large impact on the clothes worn today. Alaia's pieces are timeless and he has the ability to create a unique simplicity that can be worn by anyone.
The three main dress designs in his collections:
- Houpette: ruffles and feathers usually from the waist down so the body's silhouette is still visible.
- Zip: zipper all the way down to accentuate the body's natural curves.
- Skater: tight top and flares from waist, usually with a lazer-cut pattern, which shows some skin through holes in the fabric as contrast between the material and the woman's skin.
My favourite design created by Alaia is the twin set, yes this magical man introduced the best outfits of matching top and bottoms to the world.
His main colour code includes
black, as he once said "black and I are one" and
nude, as the sensuality of bare skin.
Alaia refers to faithful cliental and models as goddesses and he treats all people that he works with as friends, which is why he has gained so much respect since entering the fashion world in 1957 after he moved to Paris. The Alaia headquarters in the centre of Paris are a reflection of how Azzedine likes things done.
This amazing building is made up of:
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| The main boutique, decorated by Julian Schnabel (artist and friend). |
The showroom where events are held including catwalks, exhibitions and parties. A steel and glass structure creates this room.
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| Alaia's studio, the origin of the ideas for all the incredible pieces of art that he makes. |
The workshop where the ideas become reality, as samples are made up.
Mr Alaia's private apartment,
The Stock Room,
And, of course ...
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| the kitchen where interviews, meetings and appointments take place. Alaia is said to enjoy multiple glasses of wine, plenty of food and occasional dog licks during his meetings with clients. |
Alaia Paris isn't advertised therefore having very little coverage in comparison to other fashion houses, however this exclusivity makes the fashion a lot more desirable. His memorable creativity has been worn by a vast range of supermodels including:
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| Naomi Campbell |
and
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| Veronika Webb |
Alaia has also dressed;
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| Bettina Graziani, a french model who started off at Givenchy. |
and
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| Tina Turner, a famous singer, dancer and actress. |
In more recent times, many famous celebrities have been spotted in his pieces.
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| Kim Kardashian |
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| Miranda Kerr |
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| Rihanna |
Alaia doesn't abide by rules but rather paves his own path, which I absolutely admire because he is showing that loyalty and handwork are key to being successful rather than publicity. His prodigious talent has made a massive influence on all women in society, even if you didn't know it, now you do so go out there and flaunt your curves and be proud of the clothes you choose to wear knowing that such an amazing man introduced them to you.
