$2700 Alaia Black Cotton Poplin Dress with Built in Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: See Description (NA)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Portland, OR
- Reference Number:
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: Beaverton, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1980s Escada Green Pink Blue & Orange Plaid 2 pc Dress w/ Skirt & Linen TopBy EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThis is a beautiful ensemble from the 1980's designed by Margaretha Ley for Escada. The outfit has a pleated midi length skirt that buttons down the front. It is made of linen in an ...Category
1980s German Day Dresses
- 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Floral Silk Runway Dress w Black Velvet TrimBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis iconic Yves Saint Laurent dress is in a fine floral silk in shades of dove grey and pink on a black background with black velvet trim at the cuffs, yoke and over the shoulders. ...Category
1980s European Day Dresses
- Valentino Red Crepe Vintage Dress With DrapingBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORThere is nothing like the perfect red! The Valentino dress is in the classic "Valentino red" which is such a flattering color and it has just the right pigment to flatter all skin types. This lovely dress is such a perfect piece to add to any wardrobe and can easily go from day to night with the right accessories! We especially love the gorgeous draping in the back and the puckered, paneled sleeve detail. The center back has a 10 1/2" slit at the hem and there is a center back hidden zipper closure with a hook and eye. This fully lined dress is made in an acetate viscose blend crepe and it is labeled Valentino. Made in italy...Category
Early 2000s European Evening Dresses
- 1970s Halston Vintage Purple Jersey Dress W Asymmetrical HemBy HalstonLocated in Portland, ORThis wonderful vintage Halston jersey dress is in a beautiful shade of purple lightweight wool. At first glance, the dress looks deceivingly simpl...Category
1970s American Day Dresses
- Pierre Cardin Vintage Red Plaid Dress With Long Scarf w Fringe & PocketsBy Pierre CardinLocated in Portland, ORThis late 1970's or early 1980's Pierre Cardin red plaid wool long sleeve dress is so unique and very wearable today! The shift silhouette and simple square neck are accentuated with attached panels that mimic a fringed scarf with pockets on each side. We love the way Cardin used panels...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 1980s Issey Miyake Plantation Dress in Black Wool in Iconic Tent StyleBy Issey Miyake, Issey Miyake PlantationLocated in Portland, ORThis is a truly iconic vintage 1980's Issey Miyake tent mock turtleneck dress in his signature style in a lightweight black wool crepe. The dress has long sleeves and buttons at the ...Category
1980s Hong Kong Day Dresses
- Black Cris Cross Swiss Cotton Stretch Pique Slim DressBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CACriss Cross Black Swiss Stretch Pique Slim Dress fits like a glove. The dress is comfy and figure hugging. Great party dress perfect for dancing, cocktails or lunch parties. Super ea...Category
Early 2000s American Cocktail Dresses
- Valentino 1980s Pinstripe Chain Link Belted Midi DressBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your wardrobe with the timeless elegance of the Valentino 1980s Pinstripe Chain Link Belted Midi Dress. This exquisite dress is a true embodiment of classic sophistication an...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Teal & Multicolor M Missoni Runway 2019 Maxi Dress Size IT 40By M MissoniLocated in New York, NYTeal and multicolor metallic maxi dress by M Missoni. From the Runway 2019 Collection. Chevron pattern throughout. V-neck. Cap sleeves. 36" bust, 32" waist, 50" length, 17.5" shoulde...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Day Dresses
- Ermanno Scervino Yellow Guipure Lace Sleeveless Flounce Dress SBy Ermanno ScervinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Ditch those generic trends and go for a glam, statement-making style with this Ermanno Scervino dress. This yellow piece is the best way to step aside from the crowd. Dainty and clas...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Missoni Green and White Patterned Knit V-Neck Sleeveless Dress SBy MissoniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2An amazing and urbane piece like this Missoni dress deserves a special place in your ensemble. Be it any event, this green piece will be your first choice. Tailored from blended fabr...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Chloe Grey Silk One Shoulder Tiered Dress SBy ChloéLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Treasure this gorgeous and stylish Tiered dress tailored by Chloe. It is crafted from silk, featuring an attractive one shoulder design. This adorable dress will leave the crowd gazi...Category
2010s Italian Casual Dresses