ALAIA black cotton blend SCALLOPED JACQUARD KNIT Dress XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa scalloped jacquard bodycon dress in black cotton (80%), polyamide (15%) and polyester (5%).
ALAIA black cotton blend SCALLOPED JACQUARD KNIT Dress XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa scalloped jacquard bodycon dress in black cotton (80%), polyamide (15%) and polyester (5%).
Azzedine Alaïa 2016 Navy Cotton Embroidered Women's Mid-Length Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Navy-blue cotton mid-length dress with embroidered flower patterns.
Azzedine Alaïa Women's Mid-Length Black Cotton Dress with Pearl Strips
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Mid-length flared black cotton dress, decorated with matching bands enhanced with silvery metal rings and a whole-length buttoning.
1980s Alaïa Crochet Fitted Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
A late 1980’s Alaïa white cotton crochet fitted stretch dress, the princess-line front panelled bodice with a stylised wing collar insertion in a fine ribbed jersey with centre-back ...
ALAIA white cotton 2022 LEOPARD BELTED POPLIN MINI Dress 40 M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alaïa dress in white poplin cotton (100%) is elevated with a bold black and nude leopard print.
Azzedine Alaïa 2016 Women's Black Cotton Embroidered Babydoll Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Mid-length black cotton dress, flounced skirt with levels and an embroidered flower pattern.
ALAIA 2012 nude cream laser cut overlay cotton peplum shirt dress FR38 M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA 2012 nude cream laser cut overlay cotton peplum shirt dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/F00237 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Nude, Cream Patte...
$2,098
Alaïa dress /jacket
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in France) Black cotton dress / jacket.
1980'S AZZEDINE ALAIA Yellow Animal Print Cotton Oversized Dress With Faux Bra-
Located in New York, NY
1980'S AZZEDINE ALAIA Yellow Animal Print Cotton Oversized Dress With Faux Bra-Top And Wrap Jacket
Unavailable
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - IT 42
Azzedine Alaia mauve and tan stripe cotton mini sundress, ss 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, London
Azzedine Alaia; Cotton mini sundress in mauve and tan stripe print with caged cut-out, pleated skirt, and two hidden side pockets Spring-Summer 1990
ALAIA white cotton summer dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic ALAIA cotton dress with drawstring waist and buble hem.
AZZEDINE ALAIA white cotton poplin mini dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Crisp white shirt dress with slits at sides from Azzedine Alaia. Labeled a French size 38. Can be worn as a tunic or as a mini dress. Buttons up front. French cuffs. Measures approxi...
Alaia white textured cotton mini dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alaia white textured cotton summer frock! This dress is down in a beautiful cotton with a double layered gather skirt that has a flirty flounce.
AZZEDINE ALAIA jet black cotton Grecian pleated dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black crisp cotton dress with rushing and lacing from Azzedine Alaia.
Alaia, Belted cotton midi poplin dress in black
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Alaia, Belted cotton midi poplin dress in black.
ALAIA midnight blue cotton PERFORATED Halter Dress 38
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
Alaia perforated halter dress in midnight blue cotton (100%).
Alaia Dress - Blue Gray Cotton Blend Mesh Knit Ruffle Skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sleeveless Alaia dress comes in a muted blue gray cotton blend ribbed mesh stretch knit with a V neck, and fit flair silhouette with ruffled A line skirt.
White cotton dress with red threads see-through embroideries ALAIA
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton dress with red threads embroideries and button in the front. Plastic button ( looks like mother of shell) closure on the middle front. Cut-work. SIZE 38/ M
ALAIA white cotton FLARED JACQUARD Sleeveless Dress 36 XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa sleeveless flared jacquard dress in white cotton (47%), nylon (32%), viscose (12%), elastane (5%) and polyester (4%).
ALAIA Dress Size 10 Black Cotton Gathered Back Skirt Collared Shirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Francisco, CA
This chic ALAIA shirt dress comes in black cotton with a pointed collar, button up front, buttoned French cuffs, and high low hemline with cinched, ruched back.
Alaia Ruffled Striped Cotton Maxi Dress FR40
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Brossard, QC
This white and blue dress is detailed with ruffles at the shoulders, bodice and cuffs. Fitted at the hip with a loosely cut top Mid-weight, non-stretchy fabric 100% cotton Fits true ...
Azzedine Alaïa S/S 1990 Mini Cotton Stretch Brown Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Azzedine Alaïa - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring Summer 1990 Collection - Mini dress in a warm brown tone - Features a figure-hugging silhouette with sculpted panel detai...
Azzedine Alaia striped coral stretch-knit cotton dress and cardigan set, ss 1993
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia stretch-knit dress and cardigan two-piece set ▪ Bodycon sheath dress ▪ Cropped long-sleeve cardigan ▪ Scoop neck ▪ Ribbon ties at the neck and hem ▪ Open-knit in...
ALAIA white cotton Sleeveless Flared Jacquard Knit Maxi Dress 36 XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
Alaïa sleeveless fit-to-flare knit dress in white and off-white cotton (40%), viscose (35%), nylon (15%) and polyester (10%) with a round neck.
ALAIA white cotton LASER-CUT POPLIN MIDI SHIRT Dress 36 XS
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaia a-line midi dress in white cotton (53%) and polyester (47%).
ALAIA cotton eyelet drawstring tie cinched waist tiered shirt dress FR36 S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white cotton floral eyelet drawstring tie cinched waist tiered shirt dress FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00530 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Cotton Color: White Pat...
1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA blue cotton bustier dress with full button back
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Blue, cotton bustier dress with amazing seams and full button back designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1980's.
ALAIA white cotton blend 2023 TUBE SHEER KNIT MAXI Dress 36 XS ICONIC PIECE
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa open-knit maxi dress in off-white cotton (65%), polyamide (35%).
ALAIA ivory cotton 2 way zip front boned bubble tulip dress FR36 S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA ivory cotton 2 way zip front boned bubble tulip dress FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00525 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Beige, Silver Pattern:...
1990S AZZEDINE ALAIA Ecru Cotton Shirt Dress
Located in New York, NY
1990S AZZEDINE ALAIA Ecru Cotton Shirt Dress
Azzedine Alaia Black Bodycon Dress w/Shoulder Straps & Scalloped Edges
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Azzedine Alaia black bodycon 85% cotton stretch dress with scalloped edges at the neck and hemline and thin shoulder straps.
1980S Blue Grey Acid Wash Cotton Denim Alaia Style Dress
Located in New York, NY
1980S Blue Grey Acid Wash Cotton Denim Alaia Style Dress
1980S AZZEDINE ALAIA Beige Cotton Blend Oversized Slouchy Sweater
Located in New York, NY
1980S AZZEDINE ALAIA Beige Cotton Blend Oversized Slouchy Sweater
ALAIA beige cotton shirred ruffle tail back peplum tunic shirt FR36 XS
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA beige cotton shirred ruffle tail back peplum tunic shirt FR36 XS Reference: LNKO/A01957 Brand: Alaia Material: Cotton Color: Beige Pattern: Solid Closure: Button CONDIT...
1990S Azzedine Alaia Style Black Poly/Cotton Jersey & Spotted Net Body-Con Cockt
Located in New York, NY
1990S Azzedine Alaia Style Black Poly/Cotton Jersey & Spotted Net Body-Con Cocktail Dress
ALAIA Size 4 Beige Cotton High Waisted Dress Pants
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Francisco, CA
ALAIA dress pants comes in a beige gabardine cotton featuring a pleated style, wide leg, high wasited, and a side zipper closure.
ALAIA cream cotton lattice seam ruffle peplum waist dress shirt FR36 S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA cream cotton lattice seam ruffle peplum waist dress shirt FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00220 Brand: Alaia Material: Cotton Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Extra Details:...
Vintage Alaia Black Off the Shoulder Dress & Bolero Ensemble 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia black stretch cotton knit dress and bolero ensemble.
Alaia Cotton Tulip Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Geneva, CH
2011-2012 Alaïa white tulip dress with silver front zipper.
Alaia yellow cotton summer wrap dress, SS 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia yellow cotton wrap dress, Spring-Summer 1990.
Azzedine Alaia cotton coat dress with César Baldaccini print, ss 1985
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia multicoloured cotton coat dress ▪ Wide short sleeves ▪ Button-up front ▪ Voluminous pleated ankle length skirt ▪ 2 side pockets ▪ 2 front flap pockets ▪ 2 ties a...
Exceptional rare Alaia Striped Cotton Cocktail Dress, Spring/Summer 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and very rare Alaia cotton cocktail dress made in Spring 1990.
1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA saffron cotton dress with full skirt & snap closure
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, light saffron colored cotton blend dress with fully seamed skirt and snap closure from Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1980's.
1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA cotton pique dress with cut out
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare pale yellow cotton pique dress with cut out at bodice and very full pleated skirt. Labeled a French 38. Zips up center back with a hidden zipper. Made in France. Excellent ...
Alaïa dress Summer 2015
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Openwork cotton dress ornamented with flounces.
ALAIA cotton eyelet drawstring tie cinched waist tiered shirt dress FR36 S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white cotton floral eyelet drawstring tie cinched waist tiered shirt dress FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00531 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Cotton Color: White Pat...
1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA tan cotton seamed dress with full skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare tan cotton flared dress with full skirt from Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1980's.
Alaia cotton mini sundress, spring-summer 1990
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia cotton mini sundress, spring-summer 1990. Mauve and tan stripe print, caged cut-out at the front, full circle pleated skirt, two hidden side pockets and zip closure at the back.
ALAIA Size S White Floral Lace Cutout Cotton Scoop Neck Skirt Blouse
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Francisco, CA
This gorgeous ALAIA blouse dress comes in white cotton lace with all over flower polka dot cutout print and features a scoop neck, long sleeves, curved hem and gather back slit skirt.
1980S Light Blue Acid Wash Cotton Denim Alaia Style Dress
Located in New York, NY
1980S Light Blue Acid Wash Cotton Denim Alaia Style Dress
ALAIA white geometric laser cut cotton crossover strap flared mini dress FR40
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white geometric laser cut cotton crossover strap flared mini dress FR40 Reference: JETI/A00203 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Cotton Color: White Pattern...
Azzedine Alaia striped cotton maxi shirt dress, ss 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia striped cotton maxi shirt dress. Oversized fit with elasticated waistband, turn over cuffs, built in waist stay and 2 side pockets.
Azzedine Alaia vintage cotton stretch honeycomb dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Azzedine Alaia vintage cotton stretch low cut honeycomb dress.
Azzedine Alaïa Crocheted Cotton Blend Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaїa famously shunned fashion seasons and created beautiful, timeless collections instead this dress has been knitted by artisans in Italy, this cotton-blend mini dress is ...
Azzedine Alaia cotton summer day dress w skater skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Azzedine Alaia cotton summer day dress w skater skirt
AZZEDINE ALAIA tan cotton seamed dress with full skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Oakland, CA
Very rare tan cotton flared dress with full skirt from Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1980's.
$2700 Alaia Black Cotton Poplin Dress with Built in Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Portland, OR
This easy to wear, modern Alaia dress is in a crisp black cotton poplin and features a built in signature Alaia belt with leather trim.
2000s Alaïa Striped Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
A.N.G.E.L.O. Vintage - ITALY Alaïa white cotton and elastane blend dress with gray stripes.
2000s Alaïa Vintage white cotton and elastane blend dress with grey stripes
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Alaïa white cotton and elastane blend dress with grey stripes.
Azzedine Alaïa Crocheted Cotton Blend Dress FR 38 UK 10
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
This mini dress by Azzedine Alaïa is knitted by artisans in Italy, this cotton-blend mini dress is detailed with soft crochet at the swishy skirt.
Alaia Blue Textured Cotton Collar Detail Mini Skater Dress M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Alaïa dress features a playful silhouette with intricate collar detailing.
Alaia Black Gathered Cotton Long Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress L
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Exhibit a stylish look by wearing this beautiful designer dress. Tailored using fine fabric, this dress has a chic silhouette for a framing fit. Style the creation with chic accessor...
Azzedine Alaïa Broderie Anglaise Cotton Mini Dress Fr 36 Uk 8
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaïa broderie anglaise cotton mini dress. Black.
Azzedine Alaïa Crocheted Cotton Blend Mini Dress FR 38 UK 10
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaïa famously shunned fashion seasons and created beautiful, timeless collections instead – this dress has been knitted by artisans in Italy, this cotton-blend mini dress i...
Alaia Iconic Zip Up Dress - US 6 / 8 - 40 - Red Cotton - $3900+
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Alaia - Sleeveless Zipper Dress Retail: $3900.00 Size: 40 - US 8 Color: Red Material: 100% Cotton ------------------------------------------------------------ ...
Alaia Black Eyelet Embroidered Cotton Cross Back Sleeveless Dress L
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Perfect for the day parties and events, this Alaia sleeveless dress is classic, feminine and chic to dress up or even wear on its own.
Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage 1970s Loris Azzaro pink silk jersey gown! Beautiful bodice, with a draped, Grecian/Empire feel to the body. Zipper works great, just could not fit the dress form. In...
$95Sale Price|20% Off
W 37.41 in L 86.62 in
Modern Artisanal Soya Linen Scarf Handwoven In Soft Pastel Dusty Green Hue
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Soya is a solid timeless scarf that is a truly sustainable luxury statement piece and also supports artisan communities ethically. A classic unisex piece , it can be worn all year ...
$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...
$1,500
Size: Unmarked (Best Fits US Size 4)
NORMAN NORELL Black Wool Double Breasted Coat With Waist Detail, Late 1960's
By Norman Norell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Norman Norell (1900-1972) is considered to be one of the original fashion designers of the modern American style. His sophisticated silhouettes were both tailored and timeless with a...
1986 AZZEDINE ALAIA charcoal wool gabardine RUNWAY coat with seamed back
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This is a sharply structured Azzedine Alaïa runway jacket from 1986, cut in charcoal wool gabardine. It has a long, double-breasted silhouette with a strong, sculpted shoulder line a...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...
S/S 1989 Azzedine Alaïa Runway Stretch Knit Black Cap Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vintage black Azzedine Alaïa bodycon dress. From the Spring/Summer 1989 collection, this perfect form-fitting little black dress features a wide scoop neckline, off-the-...
Calvin Klein Collection by Calvin Vintage 1990s Tailored Pinstriped Suit
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Calvin Klein collection by Calvin Klein vintage 1990's tailored pin stripe suit Calvin Klein defined the look of American minimalism in the 1990s, sleek, understated, and effortlessl...
Vintage 2008 Roberto Cavalli Embellished Hummingbird Jeans Italian 38
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Roberto Cavalli Embellished Hummingbird Jeans Vintage 2008 Collection Italian size - 38 Low-Rise, bootcut, semi-distressed, mid-wash denim jeans. Exquisite hummingbird embroidery fr...
ISSEY MIYAKE S/S 1991 Documented Runway 'Dinosaur' Sleeves Black Silk Jacket
By Issey Miyake
Located in Munich, DE
Important and rare documented Spring/Summer 1991 black 'Dinosaur' silk jacket by Issey Miyake as presented on the runway. The twin of this jacket walked the runway in several colou...
Emilio Pucci S/S 2012 Runway Unworn Embellished Sheer Lace Cutout Mini Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Emilio Pucci S/S 2012 Runway Unworn Embellished Sheer Lace Cutout Gold Mini Dress Look 31 from the Spring 2012 Collection by Peter Dundas. Size: IT 40 Condition: Unworn with addi...
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Geoffrey Beene Boutique Silk Dress 1960s
By Geoffrey Beene Boutique, Geoffrey Beene
Located in Water Mill, NY
A charming silk dress in a pink/black check from Geoffrey Beene. It has a black Peter pan collar, side seam pockets, black button cuffs on long sleeves and round black decorative but...
Roberto Cavalli Baroque Cotton Pants With Distressed Silk Overlay, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli Runway Pants ▪ Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Cotton pants with distressed silk overlay ▪ Baroque and nature-inspired design ▪ Button and zip fly closure ▪ Straight leg ▪ Mater...
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: very good, alaia label missing Bust : 30.25", Waist: 19.75", Hips: 25", Length: 34.75" Size XS
John Galliano for Christian Dior Ruched Corset Bustier Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous soft gold fine silk knit dress from Christian Dior. It has an inner boned corset with underwire bust cups, and detachable spaghetti straps enabling the dress to also be wo...
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.
Luxurious and versatile, designer day dresses are as well suited to tea at an upscale hotel as they are to your next garden or rooftop party.
Today’s featherlight unisex day dresses — as well as the vibrant vintage day dresses of the 1950s and ’60s — look quite different from the heavy, fabric-rich de rigueur garments of the Victorian era. In the late 19th century, a woman of a certain standing might have multiple dresses to wear throughout the day: specifically, one or two for the daytime and one for the evening. For example, a long-sleeve silk dress with a prominently flared back and a round collar of gold beaded lace that hugs the neck would be suitable for stepping out during the day, while a velvet gown trimmed in silk embroidery but overall comparatively informal in appearance would be worn for afternoon tea at home. At night, a silk velvet evening dress could feature natural world motifs such as butterflies (a characteristic of Art Nouveau design) and have short sleeves adorned with lace and ruffles and a scooped neckline — the perfect attire for the theater.
During the 1920s, after all the chores were done, a woman would change from her housework clothing into a more fashionable day dress to run her errands or socialize. Some 1920s day dresses were brightly colored and featured bold patterns — a cotton dress with a dazzling floral print, perhaps, or, in the case of the more venturesome Art Deco apparel sold in high-end couture fashion boutiques of the era, semi-sheer silk garments embellished with three-dimensional beadwork or rich metallic gold lamé.
Today, a closet full of casual vintage day dresses is a must-have. Whether you opt for black, crimson or beige, day dresses bring an element of glamour to your next appointment, and in the summer, who doesn’t love a wonderfully simple, lightweight day dress cut in cotton and linen?
Because different fashion designers of every decade have offered their own take on the widely loved day dress, you’ll be able to find a variety of vintage and designer day dresses on 1stDibs. Search by creator to find enduring designs by the likes of Emilio Pucci, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, or browse by period to uncover a scintillating collection of cotton and satin patterned dresses of the 1950s and ’60s.