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Alaïa Lace Up Shoes- '10s
Alaïa Lace Up Shoes- '10s

Alaïa Lace Up Shoes- '10s

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Expertly crafted by Alaïa, these leather lace-up shoes in a muted green and purple add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Category

2010s Shoes

ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ballet Flats Shoes 38
ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ballet Flats Shoes 38

ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ballet Flats Shoes 38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Alaïa ballet flats in black suede embellished with silver-tone studs.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoes

ALAIA black raffia EMBELLISHED FLAT ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38
ALAIA black raffia EMBELLISHED FLAT ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38

ALAIA black raffia EMBELLISHED FLAT ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Alaïa ankle-strap flats in black raffia with tan leather lining embellished with rose-gold metal studs and round turquoise stones.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoes

ALAIA black satin CROCO EMBOSSED HEEL Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5
ALAIA black satin CROCO EMBOSSED HEEL Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5

ALAIA black satin CROCO EMBOSSED HEEL Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Alaïa ankle booties crafted from black satin and a croc-embossed leather heel featuring zippers on the inside.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoes

ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5
ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5

ALAIA black suede STUDDED Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic AlaÏa ankle boots in black suede featuring grey laser cut details with topped off with gunmetal-tone flat studs.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Boots

Alaïa leather stilettoes
Alaïa leather stilettoes

Alaïa leather stilettoes

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Golden leather heeled sandals with openwork inside-out black leather. Size 40,5FR indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Heel height: 19 cm ...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

NEW AZZEDINE ALAIA DEEP BURGUNDY SATIN PLATFORM SANDALS SHOES It. 39.5 - US 9.5
NEW AZZEDINE ALAIA DEEP BURGUNDY SATIN PLATFORM SANDALS SHOES It. 39.5 - US 9.5

NEW AZZEDINE ALAIA DEEP BURGUNDY SATIN PLATFORM SANDALS SHOES It. 39.5 - US 9.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Montgomery, TX

New AZZEDINE ALAIA Satin Shoes Sandals Color: Deep Burgundy Italian size 39.5 or US 9.5 Burgundy Satin & Red Leather Lining Red Leather Side Buckle Closure Platform - 3/4 inches Heel...

Category

2010s Italian Sandals

Alaia Blue Leather Ballet Flats IT37
Alaia Blue Leather Ballet Flats IT37

Alaia Blue Leather Ballet Flats IT37

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

These Alaïa ballet flats are crafted of a buttery-soft leather, these flats are embellished with laser-cut perforations. This pair is detailed with a rounded toe and an adjustable Ma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Folded Embellished Leather Sandals IT38
Alaia Folded Embellished Leather Sandals IT38

Alaia Folded Embellished Leather Sandals IT38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

Alaïa's slides will go with just about anything you pair them with, while adding a cool edge to your look. They’ve been crafted in Italy from leather with a folded toe and are embell...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia, Black suede over the knee boots
Alaia, Black suede over the knee boots

Alaia, Black suede over the knee boots

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Alaia, Black suede over the knee boots with silver rings. The item is missing a silver ring on one side, otherwise the item is in very good condition.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoes

Alaia Black  SUede High Sandals IT 37.5
Alaia Black  SUede High Sandals IT 37.5

Alaia Black SUede High Sandals IT 37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT

Beautiful high sandals by Alaia paris Suede Black color Heel height cm 13.5 (5.31 inches) Floral rouches Worldwide express shipping included in the price ! Your questions/messages of...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Alaia, Black leather sandals
Alaia, Black leather sandals

Alaia, Black leather sandals

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Alaia, Black leather sandals in size 40. This product is used a few times and is in very good condition. Comes with the original box and dustbag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sandals

Alaia Black “Bottines” slingback heels - Size 37.5
Alaia Black “Bottines” slingback heels - Size 37.5

Alaia Black “Bottines” slingback heels - Size 37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alaia Black “Bottines” slingback heels - Size 37.5.

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Alaïa Paris "CALZATURE" Donna Wedge in Snakeskin
Alaïa Paris "CALZATURE" Donna Wedge in Snakeskin

Alaïa Paris "CALZATURE" Donna Wedge in Snakeskin

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Make a statement with these beautiful Alaïa Paris " Calzature" Donna Platform Wedges in a multi-color snakeskin.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Shoes

Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT40
Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT40

Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT40

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

These leather fishnet ballet flats are made of glossy patent leather and a delicate mesh netting. This pair is detailed with a rounded toe and an adjustable Mary Jane strap across th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT39
Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT39

Alaia Leather-trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats IT39

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

These leather fishnet ballet flats are made of glossy patent leather and a delicate mesh netting. This pair is detailed with a rounded toe and an adjustable Mary Jane strap across th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Blue Embellished Suede Ballet Flats IT37
Alaia Blue Embellished Suede Ballet Flats IT37

Alaia Blue Embellished Suede Ballet Flats IT37

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

These leather fishnet ballet flats are made of glossy patent leather and a delicate mesh netting. This pair is detailed with a rounded toe and an adjustable Mary Jane strap across th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

ALAIA black and creme suede ankle boots
ALAIA black and creme suede ankle boots

ALAIA black and creme suede ankle boots

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Sexy and fun Alaia suede ankle booties. size 39. Worn once. Note: see red marks on the side heels **ALL SALES IS FINAL

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoes

Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 38
Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 38

Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

Alaia Scalloped Accent Boots Soft leather boots with metal applications. Solid color Narrow toe line Stiletto heel Heel height: 4.25" Composition: 100% Goat Leather Lining: Leather S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 36
Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 36

Alaia Studded Leather Ankle Boots size 36

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

Alaia Scalloped Accent Boots Soft leather boots with metal applications. Solid color Narrow toe line Stiletto heel Heel height: 4.25" Composition: 100% Goat Leather Lining: Leather S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Black Plaform Cutout Snakeskin Heel - 40
Alaia Black Plaform Cutout Snakeskin Heel - 40

Alaia Black Plaform Cutout Snakeskin Heel - 40

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alaia Black Plaform Cutout Snakeskin Heel - 40 These Alaia heels are in very good condition with noticeable wear on bottom. These are snakeskin cutout platform heels with an ankle...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoes

Alaia Black Leather Western Cowboy Inspired Ankle Boots
Alaia Black Leather Western Cowboy Inspired Ankle Boots

Alaia Black Leather Western Cowboy Inspired Ankle Boots

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Striking a perfect balance between refined femininity and architectural strength, these black leather mid-calf boots by Alaïa reinterpret classic western motifs through the maison’s ...

Category

Early 2000s European Shoes

Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 39
Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 39

Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 39

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

Crafted in Italy, Alaïa's black leather pair is backed in a stretch fabric for the perfect streamlined fit. Metal applications. Solid color Narrow round toe line Composition: 100% Go...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 36
Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 36

Alaia Over Knee Studded Flat Boots size 36

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Brossard, QC

Crafted in Italy, Alaïa's black leather pair is backed in a stretch fabric for the perfect streamlined fit. Metal applications. Solid color Narrow round toe line Composition: 100% Go...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Azzedine Alaia nude suede boots, A/W 1989
Azzedine Alaia nude suede boots, A/W 1989

Azzedine Alaia nude suede boots, A/W 1989

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

Azzedine Alaia by Diego Della Valle Autumn-Winter 1989

Category

1980s Italian Shoes

Grey leather plateforme sandals ALAIA
Grey leather plateforme sandals ALAIA

Grey leather plateforme sandals ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Grey leather plateforme sandals. Plateforme height = 4,5cm Heel's height = 13cm . Shoe size = 37 (It)

Category

2010s Italian Sandals

1987 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede ankle RUNWAY boots - size 40
1987 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede ankle RUNWAY boots - size 40

1987 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede ankle RUNWAY boots - size 40

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Black suede ankle boots designed by Azzedine Alaia for the Fall 1987 runway. Made in soft, matte suede, the boot is cut close to the ankle with a clean, minimal line that emphasizes ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Shoes

Alaia, Cork wedge with black velvet
Alaia, Cork wedge with black velvet

Alaia, Cork wedge with black velvet

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Alaia, Cork wedge with black velvet. The item is in good condition with signs of wear on the heel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Heels

Azzedine Alaia, Black suede curly heels
Azzedine Alaia, Black suede curly heels

Azzedine Alaia, Black suede curly heels

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Azzedine Alaia, Black suede curly ankle boots. This piece is new - unworn and comes with the original box

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Heels

Pale pink suede stiletto with black round cannage heel ALAIA
Pale pink suede stiletto with black round cannage heel ALAIA

Pale pink suede stiletto with black round cannage heel ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pale pink suede stiletto with black round cannage heel. Heel's height = 12cm Shoe size = 40 (It)

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

UNWORN Alaia Vintage Exotic Snake Skin High Heel Wedges Sandals 38 8
UNWORN Alaia Vintage Exotic Snake Skin High Heel Wedges Sandals 38 8

UNWORN Alaia Vintage Exotic Snake Skin High Heel Wedges Sandals 38 8

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Switzerland, CH

An AZZEDINE ALAIA classic signature piece that will last you for years This gorgeous pair of wedges made out of finest exotic skin Closure discreetly engraved with "ALAIA" Size EU 38...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaia 2024 Sandales EU38 Black Leather Eyelet Slingback Sandals Flat UK5 US7.5
Alaia 2024 Sandales EU38 Black Leather Eyelet Slingback Sandals Flat UK5 US7.5

Alaia 2024 Sandales EU38 Black Leather Eyelet Slingback Sandals Flat UK5 US7.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in PARIS, FR

Alaïa Eyelet Slingback sandals in black leather adorned with multiple silver-tone metal eyelets, featuring a back strap fastened with a pin buckle, leather upper and lining, and a bl...

Category

2010s French Shoes

Alaia, Patent leather pumps in black
Alaia, Patent leather pumps in black

Alaia, Patent leather pumps in black

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Alaia, Patent leather pumps in black. The item is new - unworn and comes with box and dustbag. • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: 39 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm • HEEL MEASUREM...

Category

2010s Heels

Alaïa Ankle Boots - '00s
Alaïa Ankle Boots - '00s

Alaïa Ankle Boots - '00s

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Alaïa black leather ankle boots with sharp pointed toe, slender stiletto heel, and side zipper. Expertly shaped for a sleek, modern silhouette. Inclusion: dust bag, leather box. ...

Category

Early 2000s Ankle Boots

UNWORN Alaia Black Suede Platform Lace Up Boots Booties High Heels 37.5
UNWORN Alaia Black Suede Platform Lace Up Boots Booties High Heels 37.5

UNWORN Alaia Black Suede Platform Lace Up Boots Booties High Heels 37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Switzerland, CH

An AZZEDINE ALAIA classic signature piece that will last you for years This gorgeous pair of booties are made out of finest black suede with lace up details at ankles Size 37.5 Made ...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Alaia Black Suede Thigh High Platform Boots
Alaia Black Suede Thigh High Platform Boots

Alaia Black Suede Thigh High Platform Boots

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is thrilled to offer a pair of Alaia black suede thigh-high platform boots featuring a wide opening at upper thighs, stretchy fit, stiletto heels, and zippers on...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Boots

Alaia Paris Leather and Wood Platform Wedge Sandals, Size 40
Alaia Paris Leather and Wood Platform Wedge Sandals, Size 40

Alaia Paris Leather and Wood Platform Wedge Sandals, Size 40

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

- Brown leather - Open Toe - Wood platform - Slingback - Made in Italy - Brand new, never worn

Category

Late 20th Century French Shoes

Azzedine Alaia, Black lace up peep-toe pumps
Azzedine Alaia, Black lace up peep-toe pumps

Azzedine Alaia, Black lace up peep-toe pumps

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Azzedine Alaia, Black lace up peep-toe pumps. This item has been tried on once inside and is in new condition. • CONDITION: as good as new  • SIZE: 39.5 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25...

Category

2010s French Heels

Black open-toe leather sandal with ribbon laces on the top front ALAIA
Black open-toe leather sandal with ribbon laces on the top front ALAIA

Black open-toe leather sandal with ribbon laces on the top front ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black open-toe leather sandal with ribbon laces on the top front. Heel's height = 11cm Shoe size = 37 (It)

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Alaia Python Snakeskin Pink + Black + Cream + Brown Ballet Flats Size 36 6
Alaia Python Snakeskin Pink + Black + Cream + Brown Ballet Flats Size 36 6

Alaia Python Snakeskin Pink + Black + Cream + Brown Ballet Flats Size 36 6

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

Awesome pair of ALAIA python ballet flats! Perfect combination of pink, brown, black and cream, that can be worn with everything all year! Comes with original unique Alaia shoebox. S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Alaïa Paris Black Mesh Ankle Strap Heels - EU 38
Alaïa Paris Black Mesh Ankle Strap Heels - EU 38

Alaïa Paris Black Mesh Ankle Strap Heels - EU 38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Amman, JO

Alaïa Paris Black Mesh Ankle Strap Heels Refined, feminine, and unmistakably Alaïa, these black mesh heels showcase the brand’s signature attention to detail and sculptural elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Heels

ALAIA forest green suede almond toe platform pumps EU37.5
ALAIA forest green suede almond toe platform pumps EU37.5

ALAIA forest green suede almond toe platform pumps EU37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA forest green suede almond toe platform pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00351 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Suede Color: Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Li...

Category

2010s Italian Heels

ALAIA nude leather double ankle strap dorsay platform pumps EU37.5
ALAIA nude leather double ankle strap dorsay platform pumps EU37.5

ALAIA nude leather double ankle strap dorsay platform pumps EU37.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA nude leather double ankle strap dorsay platform pumps EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00326 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Nude Pattern: Solid Closure: ...

Category

2010s Italian Heels

Alaia, Black suede laser-cut boots
Alaia, Black suede laser-cut boots

Alaia, Black suede laser-cut boots

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Alaia, Black suede laser-cut lace-up boots. The item is new - unworn. • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: 39 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25.5 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 11.5 cm PLATFORM: ...

Category

2010s Ankle Boots

ALAIA Goodyear black leather laser cut out braided brogue EU38
ALAIA Goodyear black leather laser cut out braided brogue EU38

ALAIA Goodyear black leather laser cut out braided brogue EU38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA Goodyear black leather laser cut out braided brogue EU38 Reference: LNKO/A02582 Brand: Alaia Model: Goodyear AAX971 Collection: 2014/15 Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brogues

AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede curved wedge round toe ankle bootie EU37
AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede curved wedge round toe ankle bootie EU37

AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede curved wedge round toe ankle bootie EU37

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede curved wedge round toe ankle bootie EU37 Reference: LNKO/A02105 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Suede Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots

Tan & Multicolor Alaia Leopard Print Ponyhair & Mesh Heeled Booties Size 39
Tan & Multicolor Alaia Leopard Print Ponyhair & Mesh Heeled Booties Size 39

Tan & Multicolor Alaia Leopard Print Ponyhair & Mesh Heeled Booties Size 39

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in New York, NY

Tan, brown, and black leopard print ponyhair and mesh heeled booties by Alaia. Zip closure at counters. 4" heel height. Designer Size: 39 US Recommended Size: 9

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Heels

ALAIA black green suede leather lace up platform ankle bootie EU37
ALAIA black green suede leather lace up platform ankle bootie EU37

ALAIA black green suede leather lace up platform ankle bootie EU37

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA black green suede leather lace up platform ankle bootie EU37 Reference: TGAS/A03116 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Other Closure:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots

ALAIA dark green suede foldover lace up side cone heel booties EU38
ALAIA dark green suede foldover lace up side cone heel booties EU38

ALAIA dark green suede foldover lace up side cone heel booties EU38

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA dark green suede foldover lace up side cone heel booties EU38 Reference: ECLO/A00124 Brand: Alaia Material: Suede Color: Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Lace Up Lining: Black Lea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots

Alaïa Dark Brown Suede Ankle Boots - Size 39
Alaïa Dark Brown Suede Ankle Boots - Size 39

Alaïa Dark Brown Suede Ankle Boots - Size 39

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Krakow, PL

Step out in style with these stunning Alaïa dark brown suede ankle boots. These boots are in excellent condition, showing no visible signs of wear, perfect for adding a touch of luxu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ankle Boots

Alaia Black Suede Ribbon Sandals Heels Size 40
Alaia Black Suede Ribbon Sandals Heels Size 40

Alaia Black Suede Ribbon Sandals Heels Size 40

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alaia Black Suede Ribbon Sandals Heels Size 40. Azzedine Alaïa suede ribbon sandals have been crafted in Italy from black suede and finished with a beautiful striped detailing around...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels

ALAIA brown black zebra stripe fur leather truck sole ankle bootie EU36.5
ALAIA brown black zebra stripe fur leather truck sole ankle bootie EU36.5

ALAIA brown black zebra stripe fur leather truck sole ankle bootie EU36.5

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ALAIA brown black zebra stripe fur leather truck sole ankle bootie EU36.5 Reference: ANWU/A00992 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Brown, Black Pattern: ...

Category

2010s Italian Boots

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Alaia Shoes For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of alaia shoes for sale on 1stDibs. Our collection of alaia shoes includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Brown, Gray and more. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Alaia shoes designed by Azzedine Alaïa — each of whom created beautiful versions of these treasured items — are worth considering. 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 are Alaia Shoes?

On average, alaia shoes on 1stDibs sell for $580, while they’re typically $135 on the low end and $3,625 for the highest priced versions of these items.

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.

Questions About Azzedine Alaïa
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    Azzedine Alaia, a French fashion designer known as the “King of Cling,” is known for his body-hugging designs that were sculpted to celebrate the female form. On 1stDibs, find a variety of dresses from Azzedine Alaia.