Beyond Iconic Alaia Knit Bandage Ensemble, Spring-Summer 1986
View Similar Items
Beyond Iconic Alaia Knit Bandage Ensemble, Spring-Summer 1986
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: EU L & EU M (long skirt) (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Geneva, CH
- Reference Number:Seller: 1DJD03071stDibs: LU5601623243
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 Bill Gibb Devore Silk Velvet Evening EnsembleBy Bill GibbLocated in Geneva, CHIncredible early 70s "dévoré" silk velvet and gold lame set composed of a short kimono-caftan and a long buttoned maxi skirt. The top is cut wide with sleeves opening down the wais...Category
1970s British Caftans
- Torrente Ruffled Lace Mini Dress SuitBy TORRENTELocated in Geneva, CHThis 80’s Torrente two-piece ensemble is the perfect balance between being playful and sophisticated. Constructed in refined cherry-red “Calais” lace, this mini dress features a slim...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Numbered Courreges Haute Couture Trousers Suit EnsembleBy André Courrèges, CourrègesLocated in Geneva, CHThis ultra chic late 60’s - early 70’s haute couture Courrèges ensemble, is made up of a fitted tunic-top and high waisted trousers. Constructed in dark blue wool, this fully lined s...Category
1970s French Trouser Pant Suits
- Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Bow Skirt Suit, Circa 1985By Chanel, Karl LagerfeldLocated in Geneva, CHIconic, timeless, chic and versatile ! Very few garment can provide these four qualities simultaneously. A Chanel skirt suit has definitely such power, especially when it is Haute Co...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits
- Nina Ricci Haute Couture Polka Dot Dress & Coat EnsembleBy Nina RicciLocated in Geneva, CHWedding season is here and this early 60s Nina Ricci haute couture set is an elegant option for the ceremony. Made from refined satin silk pri...Category
1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Emilio Pucci Print Silk Jersey Shirt & Skirt EnsembleBy Emilio PucciLocated in Geneva, CHA Emilio Pucci two piece printed ensemble in silk jersey from the 60's. Fits approx. : US 2-4 / FR 36 Measurements (taken flat) : Waist approx. 34.5 cm (13.6 inches) Width (f...Category
1960s Italian Skirt Suits
- Dolce & Gabbana black 3-piece ensemble with ostrich feathers, A/W 1995By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB- Silk chiffon loose fitted blouse with ostrich feather trim on collar and cuffs (IT42-FR-38-UK10) - Black satin bra with lace trim and adjustable straps...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace multicoloured velvet mini dress and leggings set, fw 1992By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace multicoloured velvet mini dress and leggings set ▪ All over abstract print in blue, purple, pink, red and gold ▪ Turtle neck m...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood rope print knitted cowl-neck top and drape skirt set, ss 1998By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood rayon-knit top and skirt 2-piece set ▪ Allover beige rope print ▪ Cowl-neck top ▪ Draped knee-length skirt with elasticated waistband ▪ Size Medium ▪ 100% Rayo...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana tiger print and denim 3-piece skirt suit, fw 1999By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana 3-piece skirt suit ▪ Fitted jacket in black denim with red contrast topstitch ▪ Bra-top with open back and tiger-print front with sequins ▪ Low-rise maxi skirt w...Category
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit bodycon dress and cardigan set, fw 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit dress and cardigan 2 piece set ▪ Sleeveless bodycon maxi dress with lining ▪ Long-sleeve full-length cardigan ▪ Gold Medusa buttons ▪ Can be wo...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace black wool double strap playsuit with gold crystal studs, ss 1992By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace black evening playsuit ▪ Double strap ▪ Sweetheart neckline ▪ Bow and criss-cross detail at center-front ▪ Gold studs with crystals ▪ 62% Virgin Wool, 38% Silk ...Category
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles