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.
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...
Black wool skirt suit ALAIA
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool skirt suit. Lining composition: 57% rayon, 43% acetate. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Laces on the middle back. SIZE 40 (Fr) 8 (US)
Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket AlaÏa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool knit skirt-suit with edge to edge jacket and top-stitched collar and pocket-flap. SIZE 38 (M)
Grey green cotton skirt-suit ALAIA
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey green cotton skirt-suit . Lining composition: acetate & bemberg . Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side + one ch...
Azzedine Alaia Chenille Bodycon Playsuit Catsuit Jumpsuit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia Chenille Bodycon Playsuit Catsuit Jumpsuit FR 38 Excellent Condition! As seen on Rihanna!
1987 Alaia Green Fleck Tweed Riding Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
This is a beautifully tailored riding suit from Alaïa’s renowned 1987 collection which featured very similar designs to this suit modelled as separates on the runway. The jacket is precision tailored from a beautiful green-flecked wool tweed and features a short front that cuts away at the waist and a longer tail in the back. It takes its cues from traditional dressage tailcoats - a style which evolved from the Victorian frock coat...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1996 Vintage Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia Vintage S/S 1996 Sequin Embellished Black 3 Piece Skirt Set Size XS Alaïa Vintage black three-piece skirt set with sequin embellishments throughout. Cardigan features...
Alaïa Black Jumpsuit with Cinched Waist A/W 1988
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
- Autumn / Winter 1988 Runway collection by Azzedine Alaïa - Sold by Mae Vintage - Rare black double breasted jumpsuit with wide leg and cinched waist - Worn by Naomi Cambell in ...
Black wool double breasted skirt suit with cut-work and raglan sleeves Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool double breasted skirt suit with cut-work and raglan sleeves. Black satin lining. Split in the back of the jacket with button and buttonhole. Box-pleats in the back of the ...
Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim lace up bra top and shorts, ss 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim bra top and mini shorts with cream lace fastenings. Spring-Summer 1991
Azzedine Alaia leopard wool dress, cardigan, skirt and leggings set, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia leopard wool four-piece set ▪ Long sleeve fitted knee-length dress ▪ Oversized button-up cardigan ▪ High-waisted leggings ▪ High-waisted fitted knee-length pencil ...
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...
Azzedine Alaia black leather jacket and skirt set, fw 1983
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Rare Azzedine Alaia black leather jacket and skirt set ▪ Wide-cut bolero jacket with open front and draped lapels ▪ Fitted pencil skirt wit...
Alaïa set Spring 2022
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in France) Set composed of a suit-style short-sleeved jacket/top made of black python with openwork, and of a matching short skirt. Black silk lining. Size 38FR indicat...
Alaïa Cropped Jacket and Shorts Suit S/S 1988
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
- Spring / Summer 1988 Runway collection by Azzedine Alaïa - Sold by Mae Vintage - Cropped curved hem jacket and shorts suit - Photographed by Peter Lindbergh
Azzedine Alaïa Linen Knit 3 Piece Bodysuit, Skirt & Cardigan Set, SS 1983
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional and rare collector's vintage ensemble designed by Azzedine Alaïa. The set comprises three pieces: a bodysuit, a skirt, and a cardigan, a...
AzzedineAlaia Leather Bodycon Curvy Skirt & PointelleLogo Tshirt Black Set 1990s
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Chicago, IL
Azzedine Alaia designed this made-in-France black leather skirt and cotton T-shirt ensemble in the early 1990s. It includes a very soft lambskin high-waisted derriere-enhancing penci...
Azzedine Alaia indigo blue denim playsuit, ss 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia indigo blue denim playsuit ▪ 100% Cotton ▪ High waisted mini shorts ▪ Built-in padded bra ▪ Brass buckles ▪ FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8 ▪ Spr...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1993 Vintage Crochet Skirt Bodysuit Top Ensemble 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1993 Crochet Semi-Sheer Maxi Skirt and Bodysuit Top Ensemble 2 Piece Set Size S/M Please note the skirt is size S and the bodysui...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Skirt and Bustier Corset Top 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Skirt and Bustier Corset Top 2 Piece Set Size S
Black knit jersey jacket and trouser ensemble ALAIA New
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black knit jersey jacket and trouser ensemble. Knit jersey composition: 94% rayon, 6% polyester. Zip closure on the middle front . Cut-work. SIZE M New with tag
Oversize rayon knit jacket and skirt Alaia
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Oversize rayon knit jacket and skirt. Jacket fabric composition: 82% rayon, 12% nylon. Skirt fabric composition: 56% rayon, 37% wool, 4% polyamide, 3% spandex. The skirt has been ma...
Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Intarsia Knit Jacket & Skirt Y2K Suit Rare Abstract M
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Azzedine Alaïa intarsia knit jacket and skirt suit, dating to the late 1990s to early 2000s Y2K era. Expertly crafted in Italy from 100% pure new wool, this strikin...
1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black suede RUNWAY jacket and skirt suit with zippers
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning 1992 Azzedine Alaïa runway suit is made from black suede, combined with smooth leather panels and exposed silver zippers. The jacket is sharply fitted and cropped at th...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Bustier Corset Top and Leggings 2 Piece Set Ensemble
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
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 S/S 1992 Vintage Striped Bodysuit Top and Mini Skirt 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1992 Vintage Striped Cold Shoulder Bodysuit Top and Mini Skirt Ensemble 2 Piece Set Size M
HERMES black white brown 2022 LEOPARD JACQUARD KNIT Jumpsuit S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alaïa catsuit in black, cream, and brown lightweight leopard jacquard knit viscose (73%), polyamide (20%), polyester (5%), and elasta...
Alaia 1991 Butterfly Mini Body
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alaia 1991 Butterfly Mini Body This exquisite Alaia mini bodysuit is a true vintage gem, hailing from the renowned designer's iconic 1991 collection. With ...
Fall 1991 Alaia Black Knit Jumpsuit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Alaia black knit 1991 Fall one piece cat-suit from perhaps the most celebrated collection Azzedine Alaia ever sent down the runway. His most coveted l...
Alaïa Spring Summer 1985 runway documented Buttermilk Skirt Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
A standout from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring/Summer 1985 runway collection featuring a refined, yet sculptural aesthetic. This buttermilk coloured two-piece set from Alaïa’s 1985...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1991 Vintage Skirt and Crop Top 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Skirt and Crop Top 2 Piece Set Size S
Azzedine Alaia black wool blend catsuit, fw 1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia black wool blend catsuit ▪ Skin tight ▪ High v-neck ▪ Long sleeves ▪ Concealed zipper at centre-back ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1991
Alaia 1980’s green wool bodysuit and skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in PARIS, FR
Alaia 1980’s green wool bodysuit and skirt. Size M bodysuit and size S skirt. The skirt had been altered but the set fits US 0 up to US 4/6. Stretchy fabric
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Red Bodysuit and Skirt 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodysuit and Skirt 2 PIECE SET Sz XS Alaïa scoop neck sleeveless bodysuit with scalloped hem and snap closures and Alaïa lightweigh...
Alaia Denim Blue Vintage Wash Knit Bra Top And Leggings
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer an Alaia denim blue knit top and leggings ensemble featuring a ribbed bustier crop top and matching leggings with decorative seaming. Alai...
New Azzedine Alaia Embellished White Mini Skort Shorts and Bra Top 2 Piece Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
New with Tags Azzedine Alaia Embellished White Shorts and Bra Top 2 Piece Set All Eyes on Alaïa For the last half-century, the world’s most fashionable and adventuresome women have...
Azzedine Alaïa Black Cotton Shirt and Skirt Set, Size 40IT
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Black cotton set composed of a shirt and a skirt. Size 40IT indicated, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shirt: Shoulder width: 39 ...
Alaia Black Knit Ruffle Cardigan And Fan Circle Skirt Ensemble
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is thrilled to offer an Alaia knit ruffle cardigan and circle skirt set. The cardigan features a four-button front closure, ribbed knit sleeves, and a cropped fi...
Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set, ss 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
▪ Azzedine Alaia cream rayon knit 5 piece pant suit set ▪ Cropped vest top ▪ Cropped long sleeve button-up cardigan ▪ Maxi long sleeve button-up cardigan ▪ High waisted wide-leg pan...
Alaïa 2020 Re Issue of A/W 1988 Trompe D'oeil Jumpsuit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
- Pre Fall 2020 Re issue of Autumn / Winter 1988 Runway collection by Azzedine Alaïa - Sold by Mae Vintage London - Black trompe d'oeil jumpsuit
Alaiä 80s Leather Bomber and Skirt Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This black Alaïa leather set features a fitted jacket and matching skirt, designed in the 80s. Brand: Alaïa Period: 80s Material: Leather Size: S Origin: Made in Italy Condition: G...
Azzedine Alaïa 2014 Women's Geometric Bodysuit & Skirt Set, Italy
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALAÏA - (Made in Italy) Set composed of a long-sleeve bodysuit and a blended wool stretch skater skirt with a black and white geometrical pattern. Size 40IT indicated, it fits a 36FR...
Alaïa Short Coral-color Mesh Jumpsuit, 1993
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Alaïa - (Made in Italy) Coral-color mesh short jumpsuit with off-white, blue, and green mesh patches around the waist and the leg bottoms. Size S indicated. 1993 Spring-Summer Collec...
Azzedine Alaia 1990's Vintage Legging Pants & Bodysuit Top 2 Piece Set Ensemble
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia 1990's Vintage Bodycon Blue Leggings Pants & Bodysuit Top 2 Piece Set Ensemble XS/S Excellent Condition. Please note the size tag of the pants indicates size XS and t...
AzzedineAlaia Black Denim Zipper Skirt & Knit Vest Ensemble, 1986
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Chicago, IL
This Azzedine Alaia (1935-2017) black Spring ensemble features a new-condition triple-zipper fine-denim bodycon skirt from the iconic 1986 Alaia Paris brass-zipper collection. For a ...
Vintage ALAIA Green Knit Top and Skirt Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s ALAIA green viscose knit top and skirt set. Size: small - medium / 4/6 Top measurement Bust: 36 inch / Length: 24 inch / Sleeve: 26 inches Skirt waist: 2...
Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool and elastane AlaÏa
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sweater and skirt ensemble in purple wool (83%) and elastane (17%) Size : S
1984 AZZEDINE ALAIA jet black summer playsuit with draped skirt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black summer playsuit with matching skirt that cleverly hooks onto waistband to create a unique draped silhouette designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the late 1980's. Looks grea...
Alaia Green Knit Body Suit, Stirrup Leggings & Matching Leather Belt
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Early 1990's Alaia green stretch wool and rayon blend body suit, stirrup legging and belt ensemble. The body suit combines wool with two distinct weaves and has a mock turtleneck, su...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1986 Vintage Legging Pants & Top 2 Piece Set Ensemble
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia 1986 Vintage Leggings Pants & Top 2 Piece Set Ensemble Size S