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.
ALAIA black leather laser cut wide waist belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA black leather laser cut wide waist belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00624 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Li...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
Alaïa "Lace" Belt Winter 2021
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Black openwork leather belt reminiscent of lace and embellished with silver-tone metal eyelets. Size indicated: 65. Fall/Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection,...
AZZEDINE ALAIA leopard printed corset belt with black leather trim & studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extra-wide, leopard-printed, calf hair belt with studded detail, triple buckle closure and black leather trim from Azzedine Alaia. French size 80. Belt measures just under 4.75" wide...
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA darkest green leather belt with brass hardware
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Darkest green leather belt with brass hardware designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1990's. French size 70. Holes fall at approximately: 26", ...
Neo bustier belt by Alaïa circa 2021
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Ceinture large en cuir de veau noir ajouré au laser créant un effet de résille. Taille indiquée 65. Collection prêt-à-porter circa 2021, sous la direction art...
Alaia Black Suede Leather Large Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
Alaïa black suede leather large belt featuring tarnish gold tone hardware, a large width, studs decorative tarnish gold tone details and an internal logo stamp. Circa 1990s. In good...
1988 AZZEDINE ALAIA red and purple leather runway belt with brass pyramid studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, red and purple leather belt with brass toned pyramid studs designed by Azzedine Alaia as seen on the fall 1988 runway. Belt is labeled a French 65 and ideally fits a 23-25...
1988 AZZEDINE ALAIA red and purple leather RUNWAY belt with brass pyramid studs
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Unique, red and purple leather belt with brass pyramid studs from Azzedine Alaia as seen on the fall 1988 runway. Best is labeled a French size 65. Width is 2.25" and holes fall at 2...
AZZEDINE ALAÏA Black Velvet Calfskin Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning belt Azzedine Alaïa in black velvet calfskin covering a beige leather showing white polka dots. Size 80 (FR) Total lengh : 89,5 cm, height : 7 cm This article will be delive...
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. Embraces the waist Multiple leather bands cut and assembled on an elastic base for maximum comfor...
ALAIA Belt in Black Leather and White Shells 65
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
ALAIA Belt in Black Leather and White Shells. It is a nod to the mineral, which Azzedine Alaia wanted to pay tribute to. In very good condition. Made in Fra...
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. ...
ALAIA white leather punctured perforated cinched waist wide belt 65cm
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA white leather punctured perforated cinched waist wide belt 65cm Reference: SNKO/A00625 Brand: Alaia Designer: Azzedine Alaia Material: Leather Color: White Pattern: Solid Closu...
Alaia Coco Brown Calfskin with Brass Accent Leather Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Alaia's wonderful timeless coco brown calfskin leather belt is detailed with brass accents. The leather belt measures 36 inches x 1 1/2 inches. Buckle measures 1 6/8 inches x 2 ...
Louis Vuitton 90/36 Damier Ebene Belt 16lv31
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton 90/36 Damier Ebene Belt 16lv31 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 41.2" Width: .1" Height: 1.1" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or ...
Fendi Black patent leather trim clear plastic belt
By Fendi
Located in New York, NY
Fendi clear belt has black patent-leather trim and details. Buckle has brass hardware, along with the "FF" logo. Buckle measures 3 1/4" x 3 1/4". The belt ...
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Belt Buckle
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel over copper belt buckle. The ware consists of two parts with a clasp. The belt buckle is covered with polychrome enamel medallions represe...
FRANCK NAMANI Belt in Blue Crocodile Leather
By FRANCK NAMANI
Located in Paris, FR
FRANCK NAMANI men's belt in blue color crocodile, stitching blue night with brown interior. Gilded metal buckle.
$385Sale Price|42% Off
Alma 'Couture' Navy tie belt.
By Alma Couture
Located in New York, NY
The Alma Couture belt measures 59" in total length. The gilded gold 'balls' are covered with hand-crochet navy threading and there are gold accents. The gilded gold 'balls' measures ...
Vintage Moschino Leather Belt Circa 1987 Women's Accessory
By Moschino
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This beautiful Vintage Moschino by Redwall 1987 belt (they do not produce these anymore, so it is a collectors item) is a fashion accessory created by the Italian luxury fashion bran...
New Costume National 1990s Jumbo Oversized Black Leather Vintage 90s Belt
By Costume National
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new 1990s COSTUME NATIONAL jumbo extra wide black leather belt! Features three hook-and-eye closures. Can adjust to fit two sizes to sit ...
$555Sale Price|57% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s zebra print metal belt with diamantes
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace is know for his use of bold prints. This metal silver tone belt from his 1990s era highlights just what the designer i known for. The belt features 17 circular links w...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Wide Leather Belt with Secret Pocket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Runway Collection Iconic Wide Leather Belt, Embroidered Pattern Throughout, Grommet Embellishments at Trim Dual Buckle Closure at Front, Secr...
2000s Michael Kors Collection Black Gunmetal Chain Link Wide Leather Belt
By Michael Kors
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new early 2000s vintage Michael Kors Collection black leather and gunmetal chainlink wide belt! Features gunmetal chains on the middle, with ...
Gucci New Black Leather Lion Buckle Belt
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci brand new wide black leather belt with gold lion buckle. Comes with original dustcover.
Vintage Gucci belt in dark brown suede
Located in Carnate, IT
Vintage Gucci belt in dark brown suede with colored beads and steel details. It has normal signs of wear but overall in good condition. Total length 109 cm Last hole length 94 cm...
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...
Alaïa Black Leather Eyelet Strass Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never worn, with tags. Due to poor storage of the belt, wear is evident to the leather with minor creasing on this new Alaïa designer resale item. Details Bl...
ALAIA black leather 2024 SKIRT WAIST Belt 38
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alaïa skirt waist belt in black lambskin leather is a bold statement piece, seamlessly blending structure with elegance. Designed with a wide quilted waistband an...
Azzedine Alaia Black Leather Curve Belt With Embossed Details And Brass Buckle
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage black leather Azzedine Alaia wide waist belt featuring embossed detailing, a leather-covered buckle, and a dramatic curved shape. T...
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 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 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 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...
Alaia black patent leather belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Capri, IT
Alaia black patent leather belt measurements: 16*75 cm
Alaïa Black Leather Patterned Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never worn. No visible wear to belt is evident on this new Alaïa designer resale item. This item comes with original dust bag. Details Black Leather Wi...
Alaïa Black Suede Fringe Tassel Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the belt is evident. Minimal wear to the suede inside due to dye transfer when belt is buckled on this used Alaïa designer resale item. ...
Alaïa fringed belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) White leather fringed belt. Size 80. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 77 cm to 80 cm ACC51