Rare Azzedine Alaia Signature Fawn-Hue Form-Fitting Eyelet Accented Swing Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 38/French (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU24717158892
Azzedine Alaïa
Master Couturier, King of Cling: legendary fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa (1935–2017) is known by many names, each referring to his unparalleled ability to mold fabric onto the female form in unexpected and radical ways. The Tunisian-born designer spent his entire life in relentless pursuit of a wholly distinctive and most-flattering fit.
“For me, fashion is the body,” said Alaïa. “I make clothes; women make fashion.”
Alaïa is credited with inventing the supermodel through his exclusive fashion shows, the body-con dress — which, quite literally, hugs the body and emphasizes and embraces every curve — and pioneering what industry professionals have taken to calling “slow fashion.” The designer openly rejected empty, of-the-moment fads as well as the structure of biannual seasons and instead took his time, unhurried by press and releasing collections at his own pace. Most importantly, Alaïa was a visionary when it came to traditional notions of femininity and sexuality. At a time when loose, soft silhouettes were the norm, Alaïa’s sexy, waist-cinching hourglass and body-con outfits were shocking.
Alaïa’s “body-conscious clothes,” wrote fashion critic Suzy Menkes, “seemed a deliberate challenge — throwing down a sexist gauntlet in a feminist world.”
While powerful women such as Madonna, Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington wear Alaïa’s creations today, his origins were remarkably humble.
Born to a farming family, Alaïa always had a creative streak. As a young boy, he would flip through women’s fashion magazines and quickly became interested in the design of women's clothing. He went on to study sculpture at the School of Fine Arts in Tunis and later worked as a tailor for a dressmaker before he found work creating garments based on Parisian haute couture designs. The combination of his classical training in sculpture and practical experience as a tailor convinced Alaïa that fashion was his calling. In 1957, he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for less than a week before being fired. From there, Alaïa secured a job with Guy Laroche and opened his own maison in the 1970s.
At his core, Alaïa was a couturier who cut and sewed his samples himself. He also experimented with zips, seams, unexpected materials, textures, animal prints and floral patterns like an artist. Today, Alaïa’s clothes look untouched by the passage of time and the various trends that have materialized since their debut; they are as fresh, stylish and stunning as ever. His garments are pop-culture icons in their own right: Cher Horowitz, played by Alicia Silverstone in 1995’s Clueless, exasperated with a perpetrator holding her at gunpoint, declares, “But this is an Alaïa!”
Vintage Alaïa evening dresses, skirts and other attire continue to influence contemporary designers such as Nicolas Ghesquière and Hervé Léger. Not only are his clothes timeless in their glamour, but they also represent the groundbreaking vision of an artist, one who was known to proclaim, “I am not a designer. I am a couturier.”
Find a collection of Azzedine Alaïa day dresses, suits, jackets and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Leonard of Paris, Multicolored "Splash" DressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYLeonard, of Paris, Multicolored '70s Leonard draped dress so so wonderful to have for any occasion. The front has a beautifully draped neckline and slightly dropped shoulders. T...Category
1970s Italian Day Dresses
- Bazaar of France Vivid Multicolor Abstract Cowl-Neck Cap-Sleeve Jersey DressLocated in New York, NYBazaar of France, vivid multicolor abstract dress accented with a cowl-neck front as well as cap-sleeves. The length measures 39 1/2 inches, bust measures 38 inches, waist mea...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- 'House of London' Black Abstract Deconstruct Whimsical Evening Cocktail DressLocated in New York, NY'House of London' black abstract deconstruct whimsical evening cocktail dress has a center-back 2-way zipper measuring 41 inches in gilded gold hardware. The "Bra" waistband measures...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening DressBy Todd OldhamLocated in New York, NYTodd Oldham for the famed Fred Hayman of Beverly Hills, wonderfully detailed elegant yet whimsical evening double-chain rhinestone encrusted slightly flared black evening dres...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Lovely Powder-Tangerine Floral Print Zippered-Back Jersey DressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYLeonard of Paris lovely and elegant powder-tangerine with floral-print has a center-back zipper which measures 20 inches and hand-sewn. The length ...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Ruffled Black w/Warm Brown Silk DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent wonderfully elegant black accented with warm browns ruffled buttoned-front dress, has two hidden side pockets. Button front accented with ruffles along the ...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- 1960s Malcolm Starr Green Pink Metallic Floral Print DressBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Malcolm Starr Gown in Green, Pink, gold and blue print sleeveless gown. Perfect for wedding or cocktail event . Waist is encrusted with multi color jeweled. Bust: 34” / waist ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Norma Walters Tartan Plaid Silk & Sequin Two Piece Dress, 1980'sBy Norma WaltersLocated in Atlanta, GAWe are mad for plaid! And it is especially fun when applied to a 1980's Norma Walter's strong shouldered silhouette and black sequins are added for a l...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- Maxi Thailand Floral Sun Dress With Quilted Jacket, C.1970Located in Atlanta, GAC.1970 cotton sun dress with a coordinating quilted bolero jacket and tie belt by Thai Lines of Bangkok. Both pieces are in a tropical hand screened floral print in vibrant shades of magenta, purple, yellow and green. The dress zips and hooks at the back with pockets and lingerie style straps that cross at the back. The jacket hooks...Category
1970s Thai Maxi Dress
- 1970s Strawberry and Daisy Novelty Print Khaki Vintage 70s Cotton Sun DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s strawberry and daisy novelty print cotton sun dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a flared skirt, which could also accommodate a crinol...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Rhonda Roy Abstract Print Mock Neck Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing early 1970s RHONA ROY of England abstract print maxi dress ! Warm colors of purple, tan and brown throughout. In great condition Approximately Size ...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Chamois suede dress by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle - France Circa 1982By Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1982 France Amazing short safari-style dress in buff-coloured suede by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle dating from the early 1980s. Straight cut with puffed sleeves and stitched inserts. Beige stretch knit with turtleneck effect collar and cuffs. Two slit pockets on the side and a thin integrated belt to tie for a blouson effect. Cream nylon lining and Ungaro Parallèle Paris logo label, size 10 Made in Italy. Dry-cleaned suede with no soiling apart from a slight structural patina of the suede skin. No defects to report. Good overall structural condition. Dimensions: Equivalent size M France...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses