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Azzedine Alaïa

French, 1935-2017

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.

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Period: Early 2000s
Designer: Azzedine Alaïa
Alaïa Black Mesh Hood
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa - Black mesh hood. No size nor composition label, you can wear it and tie it up as you want. To be noted, many traces on the mesh. Additional information: Condition: Good cond...
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa Hat / Beret in Black Virgin Wool Embellished with Silver Rivets
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa -Beret in black virgin wool embellished with silver rivets. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size 57 Seller Reference: CHP16
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaia Chocolate Brown Tibetan Lamb Fur Coat, fw 2006
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia Chocolate Brown Tibetan Lamb Fur Coat ▪ Creative Director: Azzedine Alaia ▪ Fall-Winter 2006 ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Meticulously crafted from luscious cho...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Silver Grey Square Neck Knit Perforated Fit Flare Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A true representation of Azzedine Alaia's iconic style, this dove grey fit-and-flare dress with a square neckline is a timeless staple for every woman's closet. It boasts a chic squa...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA White Cotton Blend Knit Fit & Flare Mini Skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA White Cotton Blend Knit Fit & Flare Mini Skirt
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Vintage Azzedine Alaia Black Metallic Knit Bodycon Sheer Cutwork Fishtail Gown
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An ultra seductive and instantly recognizable Azzedine Alaia black cutwork patterned metallic accented stretch knit floor-length gown dating back to his 2012 fall-winter collection. ...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Plateform sandal in black leather and wood pattern heels Alaïa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Plateform sandal in black leather and wood pattern heels. Double buckle closure on each side Plateform height = 16 cm Plateform = 4,5 cm SHOE-SIZE = 39
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Off-white rib knitted pant Alaïa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white rib knitted pant . Knit composition: 90% wool, 6% polyamide, 4% stretch. SIZE M
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Logo Print Ballerina Flats 2000S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a pair of vintage Azzedine Alaia off white woven ballet flats with "ALAIA" logo print, and leather bottoms. Azzedine Alaia Paris Size 40 ...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa White Cotton Coat
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa - (Made in France) White cotton coat, fitted at the waist. Size indicated 40FR, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 30 cm, Chest: 42 cm, ...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

ALAIA black suede pumps
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
ALAIA black suede pumps shoes vintage, in very good condition heels height: 11 cm size: 38 Italian - 4 UK - 8 US
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

2000s Alaia Size 36 / 4 Khaki Beige Taupe Cut Out Vintage Y2K Mini Skater Skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 2000s AZZEDINE ALAIA khaki / beige cut-out mini skater skirt ! Features the perfect color that can be worn all year. Cut outs strategically placed under the hips and at the hem...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

1990s Alaia Knit Bodysuit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Miami, FL
1990s iconic Alaia knit bodysuit in an olive green and rainbow honeycomb lines across the chest and upper arms. The fabric is a mix of rayon, nylon and spa...
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Blue ribbed edge to edge cardigan in rayon knit AlaÏa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue ribbed edge to edge cardigan in rayon knit. SIZE L
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Early 2000s European Azzedine Alaïa

Red and white jacquard knit dress Alaïa Paris
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red and white jacquard knit dress with opening ( see-through) Zip on the side. Fabric composition: 83% rayon, 17% polyester. Size 42 (It) 38 (Fr) 6/8 US
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa fastenings silver and dove gray princess coat, early 2000s
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Milano, IT
- Early 2000s - Sold by Skof.Archive - Grey regular coat - Double breasted button - Above knee-length Composition: 100% Cotton Size: FR 36 - EN 40 - UK 8 - US 4 (EU) Measure...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

2008 Documented Alaia Leather Corset Skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
This documented 2008 Autumn/Winter collection skirt is by the renowned French couturier Azzedine Alaia shortly after he bought back his company from Prada in 2007. Made of black lam...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

ALAIA Blue Knit Long Sleeve Top and Pant Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Alaia blue knit long sleeve top and bell bottom style pant set. marked size 40 Alaia top measurement 30-38” / Waist 28”-32”/ Hip open/ sleeve 30” Waist 26”-30” / Pant length 43” Exce...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa c.2004 Semi-Sheer Cutout Ruched Slits Gown Maxi Evening Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaïa Semi-Sheer Cutout Ruched High Slits Gown Maxi Evening Dress FR 38 As seen on Naomi Campbell in the black color. Azzedine Alaia semi-sheer ruc...
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaia Ivory Mini Bowling Handbag
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Paris, FR
Azzedine Alaia Ivory leather mini bowling handbag featuring a top logo zip opening, an animal fake-fur detail pattern, two top handles an inside camel leather pocket. In good vintag...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Lilac Wool Blend V Neck A Line Dress Knit Ruffle Trim
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Tagged Size Medium 2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Lilac Wool Blend V Neck A Line Dress Knit Ruffle Trim
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Oyster Grey Wool Blend A Line Dress With Knit Bottom Deta
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Tagged Size Large 2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Oyster Grey Wool Blend A Line Dress With Knit Bottom Detail
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA White Rayon Blend V Neck Ribbed Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Tagged Size S 2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA White Rayon Blend V Neck Ribbed Dress
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Black White Rayon Blend Crotchet Knit A Line Skirt And Tan
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in New York, NY
Tagged Size Large 2000S AZZEDINE ALAIA Black White Rayon Blend Crotchet Knit A Line Skirt And Tank Top Ensemble
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

ALAIA midnight blue viscose CUT-OUT SLEEVELESS FLARED Dress 40 M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaia sleeveless cut out dress in midnight blue cupro (45%), viscose (35%) and polyamide (15%). Opens with a concealed zipper at the back. Unlined. Has been worn and i...
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Black jacquard knit dress with short sleeves AlaÏa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jacquard knit dress with short sleeves. Tiny touch of blue. Zip in the middle back. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa c.2004 Semi-Sheer Cutout Ruched Slits Gown Maxi Evening Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaïa Semi-Sheer Cutout Ruched High Slits Gown Maxi Evening Dress FR 40 As seen on Naomi Campbell in the black color. Azzedine Alaia semi-sheer ruc...
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Early 2000s Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Shoes Snakeskin Pointed Toe Pumps w Black Trim w Original Box & Dust Bags
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Portland, OR
These Alaïa snakeskin pumps are in a beautiful cream color with brown suede leather heels and trim. The style number for these shoes is: AAP434-6PT Tejus 80mm Pump. These shoes come ...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Black bustier dress AlaÏa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black bustier dress with beige lining.
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Sleeveless dress in stretch beige rayon jacquard Azzedine Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless dress in stretch beige rayon jacquard
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaia Paris, Dove Grey Drop Waist Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
A pretty and chic dress by Alaia , Paris . In a silk mix the dress has a drop waist, round necklline and v backline. It has a central back zip. Made in Italy. Size 44 Bust 36'' , len...
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Black & Metallic Red Lattice Pattern Bodycon Mini Dress w/Flounced Hem
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Azzedine Alaia black and metallic red sleeveless bodycon knee-length dress with flounced hem and scalloped edge trim at neckline, armhole and hemline. In excellent condition - size t...
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Midnight Blue Top & Skirt Ensemble w/Cutouts
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Alaïa midnight blue bodycon top and skirt ensemble featuring cutouts. The top is 3/4 length with a square neckline and scalloped trim. The skirt is an A-line silhouette with flounced...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Alaia Blush Pink Grecian Mini Dress w/Deep V-Neckline & Open Sides
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Alaia blush pink mini dress with Grecian draping and gathers. There are there are cut-outs at the waist line with 3 elastic bands that hug the sides, waistline and back. The dress in...
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Early 2000s French Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa Long Black and White Knitted Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa- (Made in Italy) Long black and white knitted dress. Size 40. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm, Waist: 35 cm, Length: 135 cm...
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa Black Wool Blend Skirt, Size 38FR
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa - (Made in Italy) Skirt in black wool blend. Shown in size 38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Size 38FR Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: FJ63
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa Top in Black Silk Blend
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa - (Made in Italy) Top in black silk blend. Size indicated 40FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 40 cm Chest: 45 cm Sleeve length: 75 cm Length: 43 cm ...
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Early 2000s Italian Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Azzedine Alaïa fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, pink, blue and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Celine, Gianni Versace Couture, and Chloé appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Azzedine Alaïa fashion from top boutiques around the world. Azzedine Alaïa fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $44,946, while the average work can sell for $1,430.
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.

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