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Alaia 1990

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Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Cutout Open Back Bodycon Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Cutout Open Back Bodycon Dress

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Cutout Open Back Bodycon Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Runway Vintage Bustier Plunged Décolleté Cutout Back Bodycon Dress Size: S Condition: Good vintage condition, some light discoloration throughout, see last...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

High waisted black skirt with laces on the back ALAIA
High waisted black skirt with laces on the back ALAIA

High waisted black skirt with laces on the back ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black skirt with laces on the middle back . Boned around the waist. Gather on the half back of the skirt. Black rayon lining. SIZE 38 (Fr) M

Category

1990s Italian Skirts

Azzedine Alaia c. 1993 Vintage Semi-Sheer Crochet Knit Bodycon Dress
Azzedine Alaia c. 1993 Vintage Semi-Sheer Crochet Knit Bodycon Dress

Azzedine Alaia c. 1993 Vintage Semi-Sheer Crochet Knit Bodycon Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia c. 1993 Vintage Fitted Semi-Sheer Dress Size XS Beige Alaïa sleeveless bodycon mini dress with open knit paneling throughout, scoop neck featuring tonal bow accent at...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress Size M Alaïa heavy knit velvet dress with open knit trim throughout, V-neck, long sleeves and concealed zip closure a...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia Leather Curvy Skirt & Pointelle Logo Top Black Set c1990s
Azzedine Alaia Leather Curvy Skirt & Pointelle Logo Top Black Set c1990s

Azzedine Alaia Leather Curvy Skirt & Pointelle Logo Top Black Set c1990s

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Chicago, IL

Azzedine Alaia designed this made-in-France black leather skirt and cotton T-shirt ensemble in the early 1990s. It includes a very soft lambskin high-waisted derriere-enhancing penci...

Category

1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

vintage ALAIA dark green wool blend pleated hem wrap flared skirt FR40 M
vintage ALAIA dark green wool blend pleated hem wrap flared skirt FR40 M

vintage ALAIA dark green wool blend pleated hem wrap flared skirt FR40 M

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

vintage ALAIA dark green wool blend pleated hem wrap flared skirt FR40 M Reference: GIYG/A00001 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Model: Pleated flared wrap skirt Material: Wool,...

Category

1990s Italian Flare Skirts

Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool and elastane AlaÏa
Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool and elastane AlaÏa

Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool and elastane AlaÏa

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool (83%) and elastane (17%) Size : S

Category

1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1994 Houpette chenille knit mini dress XS
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1994 Houpette chenille knit mini dress XS

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1994 Houpette chenille knit mini dress XS

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW

An iconic 90's vintage designer dress by Azzedine Alaïa - a work of art by the sadly departed couturier and ‘King of Cling’. This soft sculptural dress is made of ‘houpette’, a cheni...

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1990s French Mini Dress

ALAIA petrol & purple viscose & wool COLOR BLOCK FLARED Dress 38 S
ALAIA petrol & purple viscose & wool COLOR BLOCK FLARED Dress 38 S

ALAIA petrol & purple viscose & wool COLOR BLOCK FLARED Dress 38 S

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Alaïa long-sleeve flared color block dress in espresso brown, eggplant, forest green, petrol and black viscose (55%), wool (20%), polyamide (20%) and elastane (5%). Op...

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1990s Casual Dresses

Azzedine Alaïa 1991 Runway Women's Body Size M Black Rare Vintage Top
Azzedine Alaïa 1991 Runway Women's Body Size M Black Rare Vintage Top

Azzedine Alaïa 1991 Runway Women's Body Size M Black Rare Vintage Top

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in CACHAN, FR

ALAIA. Body from the autumn winter 1991 collection. Seen on the runway worn by Claudia Schiffer and Carla Bruni. Very good condition. Size M. Rare and sought-after model.

Category

1990s Italian Bodices

AZZEDINE ALAÏA 90'S long sleeve mid length knitted dress with ribs
AZZEDINE ALAÏA 90'S long sleeve mid length knitted dress with ribs

AZZEDINE ALAÏA 90'S long sleeve mid length knitted dress with ribs

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Milano, MILANO

90'S long sleeve mid length knitted dress with horizontal ribs detail by Azzedine Alaïa Brass zipper at back The composition is 100% wool

Category

1990s Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia multicoloured rayon knit butterfly two-piece dress, fw 1991
Azzedine Alaia multicoloured rayon knit butterfly two-piece dress, fw 1991

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 with hidden zip fastening ▪ Ankle-length wiggle skirt with back zip fastening on leg...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992
Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992

Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

This black dress from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring-Summer 1992 collection is constructed from fine-gauge viscose knit. The bodice features a semi-sheer ribbed knit with an integrated body...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

AZZEDINE ALAÏA Vintage S/S 1991 Black Polka Dot Bodycon Mini Dress
AZZEDINE ALAÏA Vintage S/S 1991 Black Polka Dot Bodycon Mini Dress

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 house’s signature sculpted silhouette and a tonal embroidered polka dot motif—a detail me...

Category

1990s Mini Dress

AZZEDINE ALAIA Rare Vintage F/W 1991 Cognac Brown Knit Bodysuit Top
AZZEDINE ALAIA Rare Vintage F/W 1991 Cognac Brown Knit Bodysuit Top

AZZEDINE ALAIA Rare Vintage F/W 1991 Cognac Brown Knit Bodysuit Top

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Woodland Hills, CA

A wardrobe staple from Azzedine Alaïa’s iconic Fall/Winter 1991 collection. This rare bodycon bodysuit is crafted from a rich cognac brown jersey knit that hugs the body in true Alaï...

Category

1990s Italian Clothing

S/S 1991 Azzedine Alaïa Runway Snakeskin Leather Green Belted Mini Skirt
S/S 1991 Azzedine Alaïa Runway Snakeskin Leather Green Belted Mini Skirt

S/S 1991 Azzedine Alaïa Runway Snakeskin Leather Green Belted Mini Skirt

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Azzedine Alaïa mini skirt from the Spring/Summer 1991 collection is meticulously crafted from genuine snakeskin leather in shades of green and black. The skirt features a struct...

Category

1990s French Pencil Skirts

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top FR 40 Azzedine Alaia vintage leather wrap bra top featuring wraparound design, belted at the waist for an adjustable...

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1990s Shirts

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Vintage Iconic Leopard Print Bodycon Dress Size L Iconic Azzedine Alaïa leopard print stretch bodycon dress featuring high v neckline and back zip cl...

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1990s Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Runway Black Sequin Embellished Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Runway Black Sequin Embellished Mini Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Runway Black Sequin Embellished Mini Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Black Sequin Beaded Embellished Mini Dress Size XS Excellent Condition. Size XS Black vintage Alaïa sleeveless beaded dress featuring bead and sequi...

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1989 Vintage Fitted Open Back Black Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1989 Vintage Fitted Open Back Black Mini Dress

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1989 Vintage Fitted Open Back Black Mini Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Open Back Fitted Dress Size XS Black Alaïa sleeveless mini dress with tonal stitching throughout and cutout at back. All Eyes on Alaïa For the last half-cen...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Balck Floral Chenille Maxi Skirt Documented Fall 2000
Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Balck Floral Chenille Maxi Skirt Documented Fall 2000

Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Balck Floral Chenille Maxi Skirt Documented Fall 2000

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Azzedine Alaïa was notably one of the most talented designers of his day. Having cut his teeth working for Thierry Mugler and Dior, Alaïa himself designed garments with immaculate fi...

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1990s French Skirts

Azzedine Alaia Sleeveless Shawl Lapel Coat Dress in Seafoam Green, FW 1992
Azzedine Alaia Sleeveless Shawl Lapel Coat Dress in Seafoam Green, FW 1992

Azzedine Alaia Sleeveless Shawl Lapel Coat Dress in Seafoam Green, FW 1992

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

This Azzedine Alaïa coat dress from the Fall-Winter 1992 collection is made from a textured, plush fabric in muted seafoam green. It features a sleeveless, double-breasted design wit...

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1990s Italian Day Dresses

1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede RUNWAY jacket and skirt suit with zippers
1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede RUNWAY jacket and skirt suit with zippers

1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede RUNWAY jacket and skirt suit with zippers

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

This stunning 1992 Azzedine Alaïa runway suit is made from black suede, combined with smooth leather panels and exposed silver zippers. The jacket is sharply fitted and cropped at th...

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1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1980s Azzedine Alaia Black Stretch Velvet Bodycon Vintage 80s One Piece Bodysuit
1980s Azzedine Alaia Black Stretch Velvet Bodycon Vintage 80s One Piece Bodysuit

1980s Azzedine Alaia Black Stretch Velvet Bodycon Vintage 80s One Piece Bodysuit

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

Iconic 1980s AZZEDINE ALAIA black stretch velvet one piece bodysuit! No one ever made bodysuits as well as Alaia, and this is definitely proof. Features a super soft black velvet tha...

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1990s Italian Bodysuits

Azzedine Alaia charcoal acetate knit figure-hugging floor-length dress, fw 1986
Azzedine Alaia charcoal acetate knit figure-hugging floor-length dress, fw 1986

Azzedine Alaia charcoal acetate knit figure-hugging floor-length dress, fw 1986

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

▪ Azzedine Alaia floor-length dress ▪ Charcoal acetate knit ▪ Figure-hugging ▪ Long sleeves ▪ Turtle-neck ▪ Size Small ▪ Fall-Winter 1986 ▪ 100% Acetate ▪ Made in Italy

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia black knitted bodycon dress with red ribbon graphic, fw 1992
Azzedine Alaia black knitted bodycon dress with red ribbon graphic, fw 1992

Azzedine Alaia black knitted bodycon dress with red ribbon graphic, fw 1992

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

▪ Azzedine Alaia black rayon knitted bodycon dress ▪ Red ribbon and bow graphic ▪ Centre back leg slit with concealed zipper ▪ Long sleeves ▪ Calf length ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Win...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket AlaÏa
Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket AlaÏa

Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket AlaÏa

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket and top-stitched collar and pocket-flap. SIZE 38 (M)

Category

1990s Italian Skirt Suits

Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set, ss 1992
Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set, ss 1992

Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set, ss 1992

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

▪ Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set ▪ Cropped vest top ▪ Cropped long sleeve button-up cardigan ▪ Maxi long sleeve button-up cardigan ▪ High waisted wide-leg pan...

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1990s Italian Trouser Pant Suits

Azzedine Alaia leopard wool dress, cardigan, skirt and leggings set, fw 1991
Azzedine Alaia leopard wool dress, cardigan, skirt and leggings set, fw 1991

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 button-up cardigan ▪ High-waisted leggings ▪ High-waisted fitted knee-length pencil ...

Category

1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Boiled wool double-breasted jacket with red top-stitching and fringes edge ALAIA
Boiled wool double-breasted jacket with red top-stitching and fringes edge ALAIA

Boiled wool double-breasted jacket with red top-stitching and fringes edge ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Boiled wool double-breasted jacket with red top-stitching and fringes edge. Main fabric composition: 75% wool, 25% nylon. Button and buttonhole closure on the front. SIZE on tag XS...

Category

1990s Italian Double-Breasted Jackets

F/W 1993 Azzedine Alaïa Black Eyelet Fringe Knit Bodycon Full-Length Dress
F/W 1993 Azzedine Alaïa Black Eyelet Fringe Knit Bodycon Full-Length Dress

F/W 1993 Azzedine Alaïa Black Eyelet Fringe Knit Bodycon Full-Length Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a stunning black knit maxi dress designed by Azzedine Alaia from the Fall/Winter 1993 collection. This exquisite dress showcases a unique laser-cut technique, with intrica...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1996 Vintage Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1996 Vintage Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1996 Vintage Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set Size XS Alaïa Vintage black three-piece skirt set with sequin embellishments throughout. Cardigan features...

Category

1990s Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Azzedine Alaia Blue Lace Rib Knit Embellished Mini Dress and Cardigan, SS 1996
Azzedine Alaia Blue Lace Rib Knit Embellished Mini Dress and Cardigan, SS 1996

Azzedine Alaia Blue Lace Rib Knit Embellished Mini Dress and Cardigan, SS 1996

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Alaia ▪ Creative Director: Azzedine Alaia ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 1996 ▪ Fabric: 
Viscose ▪ Details: Lace rib knit, scoop neckline, sequin and bead embellishments ▪ Siz...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia 1990s Black Bodcon Long Sleeve Sz Medium Vintage 90s Skater Dress
Azzedine Alaia 1990s Black Bodcon Long Sleeve Sz Medium Vintage 90s Skater Dress

Azzedine Alaia 1990s Black Bodcon Long Sleeve Sz Medium Vintage 90s Skater Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

The perfect little black dress from none other than the legendary AZZEDINE ALAIA ! This early 90s piece features a tailored bodice with a flirty skater skirt. Flattering lines that o...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Rare Fall 1992 Brown & Green Argyle Knit Body Con Dress Medium
Azzedine Alaia Rare Fall 1992 Brown & Green Argyle Knit Body Con Dress Medium

Azzedine Alaia Rare Fall 1992 Brown & Green Argyle Knit Body Con Dress Medium

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Azzedine Alaia rare Fall 1992 brown & green argyle knit body con dress marked size medium. Silky rayon knit dress features a wide oval neckline with long tight sleeves. The body of ...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Bustier Corset Top and Leggings 2 Piece Set Ensemble
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Bustier Corset Top and Leggings 2 Piece Set Ensemble

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Bustier Corset Top and Leggings 2 Piece Set Ensemble

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Runway Chenille Bustier Corset Top and Leggings Pants 2 Piece Set Ensemble Size: the bustier is size S and the leggings are size XS Condition: pants have a ...

Category

1990s Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline
AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline

AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare, jet black knit mini dress with scalloped trim and semi sheer skirt with decorative diamond embroidered hemline from Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's, Dress is la...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

90s Alaia Black and Navy Stripe Wool Open Knit Fringe Hem Bodycon Dress
90s Alaia Black and Navy Stripe Wool Open Knit Fringe Hem Bodycon Dress

90s Alaia Black and Navy Stripe Wool Open Knit Fringe Hem Bodycon Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage 90s Alaia black and navy stripe wool open knit fringe hem dress. Featuring an invisible back zip closure, signature body con stretch fabric fit. - Made in France. - Si...

Category

1990s French Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Bodycon Open Back Polka Dot Black Mini Dress Size L - runs small Alaïa bodycon mini dress with textured polka dot print throughout, low back and sc...

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1992 Runway Lace Up Denim Mini Skirt
Vintage 1992 Runway Lace Up Denim Mini Skirt

Vintage 1992 Runway Lace Up Denim Mini Skirt

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

Vintage Alaia 1992 black lace up mini skirt. Features black denim, lace up detail and mini length. In excellent vintage condition. Brand: Alaia Size: UK 8 Color: Black Label size: 42...

Category

1990s Tunisian Skirts

Fabulous Thierry Mugler FW 1990 ‘Music Hall’ Runway Jacket
Fabulous Thierry Mugler FW 1990 ‘Music Hall’ Runway Jacket

Fabulous Thierry Mugler FW 1990 ‘Music Hall’ Runway Jacket

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha

Museum worthy collector's piece that was recently presented at "AZZEDINE ALAIA, THIERRY MUGLER 1980-1990 TWO DECADES OF ARTISTIC AFFINITY" exhibition in Paris.

Category

1990s Dinner Jackets

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Alaia 1990 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary alaia 1990 you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. If you’re looking for an option in Black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Gray, Beige and more. If you’re looking for a alaia 1990 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a Alaia 1990?

On average, a alaia 1990 on 1stDibs sells for $1,400, while they’re typically $150 on the low end and $34,382 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Azzedine Alaïa for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.