1991 Alaia Bodycon Knitted Green Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
Fall 1991 Azzedine Alaia original green "Bodycon" knitted dress featuring a fitted silhouette, form
1991 Alaia Bodycon Knitted Green Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
Fall 1991 Azzedine Alaia original green "Bodycon" knitted dress featuring a fitted silhouette, form
AZZEDINE ALAÏA Vintage S/S 1991 Black Polka Dot Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
From Alaïa’s iconic Spring/Summer 1991 collection, this body-hugging mini dress features the
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress Size L Iconic Azzedine
F/W 1991 Azzedine Alaia Dress Sheer Sides
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Austin, TX
F/W 1991 Azzedine Alaia Stretch Dress with Sheer Sides Long Sleeve knit Condition: Excellent Bust
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Bodycon Mini Dress Size M
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Knit Black Dress with Openwork Details F/W 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Nice, FR
AZZEDINE ALAIA vintage black knit stretch dress featuring gorgeous openwork trim details, V-shaped
Alaïa Ribbed Knit Mini Dress, Fall-Winter 1990-1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Geneva, CH
flatteringly follow the line of the silhouette. The runway dress presented at the 1990-1991 Alaïa's Fall-Winter
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Tati Runway Houndstooth Gingham Print Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Azzedine Alaïa’s collaboration with French discount retail chain Tati in 1991 marked one of the
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress Size M Alaïa heavy knit velvet
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage "Tati" Fitted Open Back Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Fitted Open Back Dress M All Eyes on Alaïa For the last half
Azzedine Alaia multicoloured rayon knit butterfly two-piece dress, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia butterfly two-piece dress ▪ 90% Viscose, 6% Nylon, 4% Spandex ▪ V-neck bodysuit
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress Size: M
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Backless Polka Dot Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Backless Polka Dot Mini Dress Alaïa bodycon mini dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress Size M
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress Size L
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress Size L - runs small
AZZEDINE ALAÏA S/S 1990 The Supermodel Bodycon Runway Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Berlin, BE
centre back): 91cm This vintage Azzedine Alaïa Spring Summer 1991 dress is in excellent condition with
Azzedine Alaia leopard wool dress, cardigan, skirt and leggings set, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia leopard wool four-piece set ▪ Long sleeve fitted knee-length dress ▪ Oversized
Azzedine Alaia Fall 1991 Runway Orange Chenille Cutout Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hertfordshire, GB
Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Fall 1991 - seen on the runway Deep orange chenille knit dress Cutout
Alaia Vintage Goddess Mini Dress, 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia ultra-rare museum quality Goddess Mini Dress with halter plunge neckline
AZZEDINE ALAIA black fringed mini dress - 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black wool dress with cut outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Fits a
very rare 1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA fringed dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare rust colored dress with cut outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Size
Alaia Black Sheer Eyelet Lace Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Azzedine Alaia black eyelet lace dress
AZZEDINE ALAÏA Fall Winter 1991 Vintage Sculpting Bodycon Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Berlin, BE
Azzedine Alaïa vintage Fall Winter 1991 black sculpting bodycon mini dress Brand: Alaïa Designer
very rare AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard knit dress - 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare woven leopard knit dress with chenille neckline and zippered hem from Azzedine Alaia
Azzedine Alaia 1991 Bodycon Knit Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia long sleeve black stretch knit bodycon dress featuring a collar & button
Iconic Azzedine Alaia Leopard Knit Body-Con Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beige and black Alaia knit leopard print body-con dress with long sleeves, knee length skirt
Iconic Alaia Leopard Dress 1991-1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia leopard wool knit bodycon dress featuring a v-neckline and long sleeves with
Alaia Leopard & Lace Cold Shoulder Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Azzedine Alaia cold shoulder black velvet inset dress with black leopard lace and large
Azzedine Alaia Purple Long Sleeve High V Neck Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Azzedine Alaia purple long sleeve body-con dress
Pristine Vintage Alaia Purple Knit Body Con Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Azzedine Alaia purple long sleeve body-con dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Plunged Décolleté Bodycon Dress Size M
unworn AZZEDINE ALAIA black long fringed dress - 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare unworn jet black dress with cut-outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Size
Rare Azzedine Alaia Coral Halter Bondage Dress With Leather Straps 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Azzedine Alaia coral halter dress featuring a
Alaia Velvet and Leopard Lace Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic stretch black velvet inset dress with black leopard lace and large velvet band at hem
F/W 1991 Alaia Dark Green Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Plush Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous dark green Alaia mini dress. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, this dress
Azzedine Alaïa Spring/Summer 1991 Red Bodycon Mini Dress Clueless
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Manchester, GB
Alaïa Spring/Summer 1991 red bodycon micro mini dress with bustier bodice. Almost identical to the
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Thierry Perez Butterfly Print Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Thierry Perez Butterfly Print Bodycon Dress Size Small
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Fitted Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Fitted Bustier Plunged Décolleté Color-block Mini Dress S/M Please
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black and navy fringed wool dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black wool dress with cut outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Fits a
Iconic Alaia Vintage Fall/Winter 1991 Leopard Print Knit Bodycon Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Meet the ultimate collector's gem: Alaïa's leopard wool knit bodycon dress from the iconic F/W 1991
Azzedine Alaia coral jersey pleated Grecian evening dress, ss 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia coral jersey Grecian evening dress. Intricate pleating on the skirt and bust formed
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA long black runway dress with bustier seams
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Azzedine Alaia exactly as seen on the spring 1991 runway. Fabric has a unique woven texture. Dress is
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA long black runway dress with bustier seams
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Azzedine Alaia exactly as seen on the spring 1991 runway. Fabric has a unique woven texture. Dress is
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black and white 'Tati' minidress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare black and white oversized houndstooth Alaia dress from the 'Tati' collection dating to
Azzedine Alaia leopard print knit figure hugging sweater dress, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia leopard knit sweater dress ▪ 38% Wool, 36% Rayon, 23% Nylon ▪ V-neck ▪ Figure
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black and navy blue accented fringed mini dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare black and navy blue wool dress with cut outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to
Rare Alaia Vintage S/S 1991 Tati Black White Houndstooth Print Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Jersey City, NJ
bodycon dress from the groundbreaking Spring/Summer 1991 collection. Taking cues from the Parisian retail
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Bodycon Midi Black Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Bodycon Midi Black Dress Size M Alaïa black bustier
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Color Block Bodycon Mini Dress Size S
Azzedine Alaia purple velvet and leopard lace off-shoulder dress, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Important Azzedine Alaia purple stretch velvet off-shoulder evening dress ▪ Large chenille bands
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Sheer Lace Velvet Chenille Bustier Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Sheer Lace Velvet Chenille Bustier Mini Dress Size: M (runs small)
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Cutout Bodycon Red Micro Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Cutout Back Bodycon Red Micro Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Red Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Red Mini Dress Size S Alaïa bodycon
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA jet black backless halter gown
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black floor length gown from Alaia dating to the 1990's. Absolutely stunning dress
AZZEDINE ALAIA Wool Blend Knit Iconic 1991 Leopard Collection Dress
Located in New York, NY
AZZEDINE ALAIA Wool Blend Knit Iconic 1991 Leopard Collection Dress
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA 'TATI' dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and well documented houndstooth check dress designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the
Alaia Maroon viscose knit mini dress, circa 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia mini dress constructed in a Maroon viscose knit. Wide square neckline, long fitted sleeves
Alaia oversized chenille sweater dress, AW 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia oversized chenille sweater dress with fluted sleeves, turn-over turtle neck, and scalloped
Alaia emerald green bodycon mini dress, circa 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia, autumn winter 1991. High v-neck collar, super figure hugging stretch knit fabric, cut
Azzedine Alaia Iconic Butterly Print Knit Dress 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Azzedine Alaia black bodycon dress featuring
Azzedine Alaïa Houndstooth Tee Dress c.1991.
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Azzedine Alaïa Houndstooth Tee Dress c.1991. Azzedine Alaïa Houndstooth Tee Dress from the 1991
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black ribbed chenille dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet-black, ribbed chenille dress from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Labeled a size S
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black ribbed chenille dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet-black, ribbed chenille dress from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Labeled a size XS
AZZEDINE ALAIA black fringed mini dress - 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black wool dress with cut outs and fringe from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991. Labeled
Azzedine Alaia indigo denim bustier halter mini dress, ss 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia indigo denim halter mini dress ▪ Bustier with underwire bra ▪ Flat fell seams
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage "Tati" Bodycon Open Back Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Dress Size M Excellent Condition
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Bodycon Black Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Bodycon Black Mini Dress Size M FOLLOW
1991 Azzedine Alaia long black runway dress with bustier seams
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Azzedine Alaia exactly as seen on the spring 1991 runway. Very unique woven textured knit. Labeled a size
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Cutout Bodycon Black Micro Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Cutout Back Bodycon Black Micro Mini
Azzedine Alaia butterfly printed corset and skirt ensemble, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia iconic butterfly printed corset and skirt ensemble. Corset with cut outs, zip
Azzedine Alaia oversized leopard V-neck tunic dress, 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare oversized V-neck woven leopard knit tunic dress from Azzedine Alaia dating to fall
Azzedine Alaia 1991 Yellow Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Azzedine Alaia 1991 Yellow Dress
Vintage 1991 Azzedine Alaia Documented Runway Red Bustier Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic micro mini red stretch rayon dress from Azzedine Alaia's 1991 Spring/Summer runway
S/S 1991 Azzedine Alaïa ‘Tati’ Houndstooth Peach Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
S/S 1991 Azzedine Alaïa ‘Tati’ patterned signature fitted knit dress. Pink-peach and cream check
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. The dress is fitted through to...
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress
By La Perla
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress Size 3 Excellent condition, a couple of micro-spots, see photo
$1,454Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella sheer white sleeveless ruffle top debuted on the season's runway. The lightweight, semi-transparent fabric is adorned with delicat...
$948Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Medium
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...
$1,015
Size: Size; Recommended UK 4 - 6.
1988 Vivienne Westwood Black Velvet and Jersey long sleeve corset - Bustier
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1988 Vivienne Westwood boned, velvet & jersey corset, with 3/4 length sleeves and zip fasten closure. Size; Recommended UK 4 - 6. Measurements are provided in inches (‘’) Pit to ...
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins dress
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins black dress totally made in italy in italian size range 42
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Bow Skirt Suit, Circa 1985
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic, 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...
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
By Amen Wardy, Escada Margaretha Ley
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford White Cotton Tie Front Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yves Saint Laurent white creme cotton button tie front blouse designed by Tom Ford era. Size: Medium Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ blouse length: 27 inches **** This Garment h...
Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black fur trimmed jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is cropped with a soft, fur trimmed collar in shades of grey and full raglan sleeves with matching wide fur cuffs. ...
Alexander McQueen Slip Dress with Applique Skirt 1990s
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
An adorable black silk slip dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen's. It has spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline and a low cut back. It is semi fitted through a the ...
1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top
By Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic silk animal print blouse! Features leopard, zebra, cheetah, and tiger prints throughout. Warm colors of brown, ivory, trimmed with black lace....
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
Laura Biagiotti New Cashmere Sweater 1990s
By Laura Biagiotti
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous grey fine cashmere sweater by Laura Biagiotti. It is semi fitted with long sleeves and a stand up collar comprised of coils of the sweater yarn. It closes at the back c...
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.
With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.
In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.
Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy
Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.
Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.