Alaia Corset Red Editions Shoulder Handbag
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
This corset bag was a part of the new Editions wardrobe by the brand, which consists of pieces recreated from Alaïa’s archives all the way from the 1980s up to 2017.
Alaia Autumn-Winter 1991 plum corset vest
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia Autumn-Winter 1991 plum corset vest
2008 Documented Alaia Leather Corset Skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Made of black lambs leather, the skirt features a high waisted, corset style section, complete with boning effect and lace up back.
Alaia Ribbed Stretch Corset Belt XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Brossard, QC
This ALAÏA stretch corset belt is designed to create or enhance an hourglass figure.
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black bustier corset RUNWAY top
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
For sale is this 1991 Azzedine Alaia runway bustier top is cut in a classic corset shape, designed to closely sculpt the body.
$1,450
Size: FR 38 (slim through waist)
AZZEDINE ALAIA EDITION 1988 black cotton gabardine corset jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black corset jacket by Azzedine Alaia, an edition 1988 reissue of his earlier 1988 runway design.
ALAIA black leather STUDDED PETAL WIDE CORSET WAIST Belt 75
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alaïa wide corset waist belt is crafted from black leather and features a striking silver-tone studded leaves design, created with intricate laser-cut detailing.
Azzedine Alaïa 1980s Black Cotton Corset with Back Lacing, Size 40
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in PARIS, FR
Black cotton twill corset with back lacing and hook closures at the front.
ALAIA Vienne black leather laser cut cinched corset wide belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA Vienne black leather laser cut cinched corset wide belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00623 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Solid ...
AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard printed corset belt with black leather trim & studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extra wide Azzedine Alaïa belt in leopard-print calf hair with black leather trim.
ALAIA black patent leather VIENNE WAVE CORSET WAIST Belt 80
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa 'Vienne Wave' perforated laser-cut waist belt in black patent-leather with one buckle closure in the middle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measu...
$576Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA black leather slim closure wide statement corset cinch belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA black leather slim closure wide statement corset cinch belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00626 Brand: Alaia Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Lining: Nude Le...
$672Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA white leather geometric cut out scallop edge wide corset belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white leather geometric cut out scallop edge wide corset belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00627 Brand: Alaia Material: Leather Color: White, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Linin...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA ivory 100% cotton boned corseted high waist flare skirt FR38 M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA ivory 100% cotton boned corseted high waist flare skirt FR38 M Reference: SNKO/A00584 Brand: Alaia Material: Cotton Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Extra Details: S...
$768Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA white leather romantic swirl laser cut out corset wide belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white leather romantic swirl laser cut out corset wide belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00629 Brand: Alaia Material: Leather Color: White, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Lining:...
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 ...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Skirt and Bustier Corset Top 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Skirt and Bustier Corset Top 2 Piece Set Size S
Black Suede Lace-up Corset Booties-
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Exquisitely crafted in black suede, the Alaïa Lace-up Corset Booties are your winter essentials.
Black Suede Lace-up Corset Booties- '20s
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Exquisitely crafted in black suede, the Alaïa Lace-up Corset Booties are your winter essentials.
$37,663
Size: approx. FR36 - UK8 - US4
Azzedine Alaia Gold Lamé Couture Gown with Sequin Mosaic Detail, FW 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
The dress features a fitted bustier bodice with broad shoulder straps and a slightly flared, floor-length skirt that falls straight with a soft train. It includes Alaïa's signature c...
Azzedine Alaia Corset jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Alaia small plaid, black and white cotton jacket with dolman sleeve and corseted bodice.
Azzedine Alaia Corset style Belt Intricate leather detail 80 NEW
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite black leather corset style belt with cut out and 'ribbed' detail revealing the beauty to the workmanship. 3 silver buckles. Timeless and versatile. more pictures availab...
Azzedine Alaia Corset style Belt Intricate leather detail 80 NEW
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite black leather corset style belt with cut out and 'ribbed' detail revealing the beauty to the workmanship. 3 silver buckles.
Alaia black laser cut leather corset, circa 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Iconic and rare Alaia black laser cut leather corset, spring-summer 1992.
Azzedine Alaia navy blue houndstooth 'Tati' corset, ss 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia navy blue houndstooth 'Tati' corset with built in bra.
ALAIA
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Black leather Alaia corset belt with gorgeous hammered chrome link design.
Azzedine Alaia blak leather 7 strand corset belt with gold hardware, ss 1986
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia blak leather 7 strand corset belt with gold hardware Spring-Summer 1986
ALAIA black leather PERFORATED WIDE WAIST CORSET Belt 85
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa corset belt made from smooth black calf leather and its wide strap is enriched with laser-cut details.
ALAIA black leather CORSET WIDE WAIST Belt 75
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Azzedine Alaïa corset belt with zig zag edging in black leather.
ALAIA Safari Corset Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 80's ALAIA Safari Corset Suit with dolman sleeves. Excellent condition.
Alaia Laser Cut Corset
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Gresham, OR
Uber sexy corset belt in a sinuous open geometric pattern.
Alaia Black Leather Corset Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia black leather corset with ruffle detailing along the edges.
1990s ALAIA Red Leather Corset Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
1990s ALAIA large red leather corset belt featuring a hole detail, two buckles.
1990s Azzedine Alaia Cropped Corset Jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia black wool and cashmere-blend cropped jacket with gathering at back, oversized lapel & corset underlay.
Alaïa Wide Corseted Black Leather Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Wide corseted black leather belt.
AZZEDINE ALAIA black leather corset belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black leather corset belt from Alaia, ca. 1990. Size 65, which best fits a 23-25" waist.
Alaia Vintage Black Leather Corset Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Nice, FR
ALAIA vintage black high-waist leather belt featuring a back corset style design with several strips lacing and stud details on the sides.
AZZEDINE ALAIA red leather corset belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Size 65. Fits a 24-27" waist. Antique brass hardware. Made in France. Excellent/very good condition. Also available is the same belt in black leather.
Azzedine Alaia 1980s Black Suede Corset Jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your wardrobe and all your future looks with this amazing Azzedine Alaia jacket which is from himself Alaia is Circa 1980s, this black suede structured jacket features billow...
Vintage Alaia Burgundy Corset Skirt Suit 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia burgundy corset skirt suit with bra detail and tonal buttons.
unworn AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede corset belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extra wide black suede corset belt from Azzedine Alaia. Size 80/32. Belt measures just over 6" at widest point.
very rare AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard corset - 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Size 'S'. Made in Italy. Center back brass zipper. Excellent condition.
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA black knit bustier corset top
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black knit corset top with decorative stitching and attached pushed up bra designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to 1991.
AZZEDINE ALAIA black leather lace up corset belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
French size 80. 3.5" width. Holes fall at 29.5", 30.5", and 31.5". Made in Italy. Excellent condition.
AZZEDINE ALAIA black patent leather corset belt with studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black patent leather corset belt with black studs from Azzedine Alaia.
1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA wide black leather corset belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Unusual seamed black leather corset belt designed by Azzedine Alaia during the 1980s.
Alaïa white leather buckle back corset belt 85/34
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Alaïa white leather buckle back corset belt 85/34...
Azzedine Alaia Black Leather Corset Belt Fr 80 NWT
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Azzedine Alaia black leather extra wide corset belt.New with tags,has been tried on.Belt is 6"1/4 wide in the front.
ALAIA black perforated leather CORSET 120 WAIST Belt 70
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa Bustier 120 corset belt made from smooth black calf leather and its wide strap is enriched with laser-cut details.
ALAIA black PYTHON VIENNE WAVE CORSET WAIST Belt 85
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa perforated laser-cut waist belt in black python and leather with one buckle closure in the middle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Ta...
Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1988 Twine Fringe & Black Cotton Corset Jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia black cotton gabardine corseted jacket adorned with fringe made of twine, full sleeves & breast pocket detail.
Azzedine Alaia black rayon spandex corset and shorts, ss 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia black rayon spandex bustier corset top and high waisted hot pants.
Alaïa Autumn/Winter 1991 Runway Christy Turlington Black Corset Bodysuit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Manchester, GB
Azzedine Alaïa Fall/Winter 1991 rare and important black corset bodysuit.
AZZEDINE ALAIA black leather corset belt with zig zag edging
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very dramatic corset belt from Alaia with zig zag edging. French size 65.
AZZEDINE ALAIA black leather corset belt lace up Size 85
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Azzedine Alaia lace up corset leather black belt.New with white store paper tag.
ALAIA Vienne white leather laser cut cinched corset wide belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA Vienne white leather laser cut cinched corset wide belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00622 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: White, Silver Pattern: Solid ...
AZZEDINE ALAIA red laser cut leather laced corset waist belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
AZZEDINE ALAIA red laser cut leather laced corset waist belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00138 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Be...
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Belt Corset Leopard Print Calf Fur 75/30
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Miami, FL
Azzedine Alaia vintage corset calf fur leopard print belt in shades of brown on the white background.
Azzedine Alaïa Vintage S/S 1992 Runway Coral Corset Jacket Documented
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic documented vintage Azzedine Alaïa Spring Summer 1992 runway corset jacket in the most beautiful rare coral colour!
AZZEDINE ALAIA white laser cut studded leather corset waist belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
AZZEDINE ALAIA white laser cut studded leather corset waist belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00139 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: White, Metallic Pattern: S...
AZZEDINE ALAIA white laser cut studded leather corset waist belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
AZZEDINE ALAIA white laser cut studded leather corset waist belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00139 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: White, Metallic Pattern: S...
Rare Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1992 Black Corset Bustier Jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Introducing a true gem: the corseted jacket from Alaia's Spring/Summer 1992 collection.
ALAIA Vienne nude leather laser cut detail cinched corset wide belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA Vienne nude leather laser cut detail cinched corset wide belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00619 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Model: Vienne Material: Leather, Metal Color: B...
ALAIA black leather laser cut out scalloped wide statement corset belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA black leather laser cut out scalloped wide statement corset belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00628 Brand: Alaia Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Li...
new AZZEDINE ALAIA red laser cut leather laced corset waist belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new AZZEDINE ALAIA red laser cut leather laced corset waist belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00138 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure...
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00065 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Suede Color: Black Pattern: Sol...
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00065 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Suede Color: Black Pattern: Sol...
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede leather wide scallop corset statement belt 70cm Reference: BSHW/A00065 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Suede Color: Black Pattern: Sol...
AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard pony hair corset belt with brown leather trim & studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extra wide leopard printed calf hair belt with studded detail and triple buckle closure from Azzedine Alaia. French size 70. Belt measures just under 4.75" wide and is 29.75" long. F...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Leggings/Shorts Bodysuit Corset 3 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Circa 1990's Azzedine Alaia 3 Piece set consisting of bustier top, bodysuit and leggings.
Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alaia leather corset belt with top stitching detail and playful fringe.
Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alaia Houndstooth red denim corseted double breasted jacket with lace up detail.
ALAIA
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ALAIA black leather corset belt with fringe. US size: fit to 25.5 waist France : 65
Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Back caplet can also be worn in iconic Alaia hood. Prefect corset seam detail at skirt.
ALAIA midnight blue fitted coat
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Incredibly shaped, corset jacket from Alaia. Ca. 1985. Softest corrugated velvet fabric!
AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard printed pony hair corset belt
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very dramatic leopard printed pony skin belt with black leather trim from Azzedine Alaia. Best fits a US size 4 or 6 (fit size 2 mannequin on smallest holes). Made in Italy. New with...
AZZEDINE ALAIA calf hair 'leopard' corset belt with studs
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Gorgeous extra wide leopard printed calf hair belt with studded detail and triple buckle closure from Azzedine Alaia. Black, tan and off white in color. Black leather trim and darken...
CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Dior Medium Lady Dior bag is crafted in glossy burgundy crocodile leather with a luxurious sheen. The structured silhouette is accented with two hard to...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible 2 piece silk skirt and top set in a pink and yellow flower print from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The top has adjustable functional pink lacing at the center fron...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35 Rare Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare, limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow. This exquisite bag is a collectors treasures and very rare to market in new, never...
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...
Christian Dior Coral Silk Vintage Rose Petal Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Coral Silk Vintage Rose Petal Mini Saddle Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1199 Brand: Christian Dior Model: Mini Saddle Bag Type: Top Handle Serial Number: 09BM-005...
Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6
1993 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace dress with molded bustier
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, black lace dress with blush pink lining and molded busier designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to spring of 1993. This is a very collectible and highly documented piece. Lace...
$6,920
H 3.1 in W 3.9 in L 0.8 in
Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...
$16,340
Chanel set Pre-fall 2019
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden tweed coat/dress set with golden calfskin collar and sleeve lapels, with blue resin and golden metal beetle buttons. Golden calfskin belt with a resi...
Hermès New Birkin 30 Gris Grizzly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible and rare Birkin bag, 30cm, grizzly limited edition. Gris caillou grizzly and gris meyer swift, palladium hardware. New unworn condition.. Handle drop, 4"L. Comes w...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
1970s Vintage GUCCI GG Monogram Jacquard Boston Bag Black Brown 34
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Gucci boston bag is crafted of black GG monogram jacquard trimmed with brown smooth calfskin leather featuring rolled leather handles and gold toned hardware. Front flap...
$6,127Sale Price|25% Off
Christian Dior By John Galliano S/S 2005 Chocolate Couture Runway croco bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by John Galliano - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring-Summer 2005 Couture Runway - Chocolate couture runway detective croco bag - Two front pockets - Large silver tone ‘CD’ c...
Iconic Spectacular Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gown 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman'
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold the breathtaking embodiment of high drama and couture mastery: The stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" evening gown from the legendary Spring/Summ...
Hermes Birkin 35 Plomb Limited Edition Bag Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 bag featured in rare limited edition Plomb (Off Black). SO chic! Simply a perfect neutral bag that is just shy of the Black which reveals as ...
GUCCI brown Ostrich leather LARGE Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci large tote bag in pale brown ostrich leather. Lined in ochre monogram canvas with one zip pocket against the back. Has been carried with some soft color transfer, bag is slight...
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.