Alaïa Wool Knit Stretch Ruffle Dress
View Similar Items
Alaïa Wool Knit Stretch Ruffle Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 41 in (104.14 cm)Marked Size: 38 Italian (EU)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Milan, IT
- Reference Number:Seller: M16028361stDibs: LU52331754693
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.
- RARE 1980s Ted Lapidus Paris Boutique Floral Haute Couture DressBy Ted LapidusLocated in Scottsdale, AZAmazing 1980s/90s hard to find Ted Lapidus haute couture floral dress! Floral printed cotton with slim fitted bodice and flounce layered ruffle peplum skirt. Halter straps with butto...Category
1980s French Casual Dresses
- McQ by Alexander McQueen Bicolor Lace Printed Jersey Fitted Dress XSBy McQ Alexander McQueenLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Step out in style when you wear this gorgeous dress from McQ by Alexander McQueen. Crafted from quality cotton fabric, it flaunts lovely hues of cream and black. It is styled simply ...Category
2010s Italian Mini Dresses
- Max Mara Light Orange Crepe Gathered Bow Detail Midi Dress LLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Max Mara dress stands out beautifully. Style this elegant piece with dainty accessories for a unique and attractive look. Designed with a subtle li...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Alice + Olivia Cream Crochet Anora Maxi Dress MLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This lovely dress by Alice + Olivia is a must-have. Perfect for summer, this crochet dress comes on a stunning shade of cream. It features a simple silhouette with two straps, zip cl...Category
2010s American Maxi Dresses
- M Missoni Multicolor Printed Silk Sleeveless Tie Detail Midi Dress SBy M MissoniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Look fabulous in this chic printed multicolored outfit as you go out and about town. Elegant and stylish, this chiffon dress is a classic in any fashionista's collection. It is light...Category
2010s Italian Casual Dresses
- Sonia Rykiel Beige Perforated Lurex Knit Maxi Dress LBy Sonia RykielLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Sonia Rykiel never fails to impress us and charms us yet again with this fabulous maxi dress! The beige creation is made of a wool blend and features a perforated lurex knit design. ...Category
2010s Italian Maxi Dresses