Rare Documented Alaïa S/S 1992 “Mon Coeur est à Papa” knit bodycon mini dress
View Similar Items
Rare Documented Alaïa S/S 1992 “Mon Coeur est à Papa” knit bodycon mini dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Marked Size: XS (EU)Bust: 25 in (63.5 cm)Waist: 22 in (55.88 cm)Hip: 27 in (68.58 cm)
- Style:Bodycon (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Knitted cotton blend dress: 85% Cotton 11% Nylon 3% Elastane
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent vintage condition. Slight break in stitching on back (see photo).
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 44261stDibs: LU58337195441
Azzedine Alaïa
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.
- Stephen Sprouse 1984 Neon Knit DressBy Stephen SprouseLocated in Los Angeles, CANeon Knit Dress by Stephen Sprouse 1984 collection Neon pink Jewel neckline Neon pink button closure on left shoulder Hits above the knee Wool blen...Category
1980s Unknown Day Dresses
- Dior Empire Squiggle Print DressBy Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAEmpire Squiggle Print Dress by Christian Dior Made in France Pink Abstract squiggle print detail throughout dress Sheer silk fabric "V" neckline and...Category
2010s French Day Dresses
- Alexander McQueen Ruffled Mini Dress (2015)By Alexander McQueenLocated in Los Angeles, CARuffled mini dress by Alexander McQueen 2015 Collection Cream Sleeveless Wide straps with round neckline Drop waist Cascading side ruffles Back ruffles Back zipper closure Made in It...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli Off White Silk Feather-Print Halter-Neck Maxi DressBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Los Angeles, CARoberto Cavalli Off White Silk Feather-Print Halter-Neck Maxi Dress Spring2014 Ivory/Red/Pink/Orange/Black Abstract feather print Halter neckline with front keyhole Racer back strap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Galliano Dior Magenta Mini Dress Spring2009By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAMagenta designer mini dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior Spring 2009 Ready-To-Wear Made in France Strapless Sweetheart neckline Interior cor...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- Vintage Norman Norell Polka-Dot DressBy Norman NorellLocated in Los Angeles, CAProduct Details: Vintage long sleeve polka-dot dress by Norman Norell Multicolor polka-dots Long sleeve dress High neck Wrap scarf design with snap closure Pleated waist Button ...Category
Late 20th Century American Day Dresses
- Vintage 1940's Magenta Knitted Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis incredible 1940's magenta knitted dress, rendered in a multitude of different knitted stitches, is just the piece for your transitional wardrobe. The deep V shaped neckline is...Category
1940s Day Dresses
- Rikma 1970s Wooden Macrame Striped DressBy RikmaLocated in Scottsdale, AZYour go-to dress is her, Circa 1970s! This Rikma maxi dress is made from 100% Cotton and features a vibrant three color stripe pattern (red, orange, purple), a v-neckline, a small sl...Category
1970s Israeli Maxi Dresses
- 1970s Missoni Crochet DressBy MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZSearching For Some Missoni In Your Life? Look no further! This 1970's crochet Missoni dress features a multi-colored abstract motif all throughout with a signature Missoni hem. Scoop...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- Courreges Paris 1970s Printed KaftanBy CourrègesLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most stunning kaftan by no other than the French label Courreges! Circa 1970s, this beautiful orange kaftan is crafted from 100% cotton and features an abstract print, a front zipper closure with a detailed v-neck and quarter bell sleeves. A true one of a kind vintage piece, this kaftan will pair perfectly with your favorite Bottega clutch...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- Cherry Red Lace Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, 1980sLocated in Scottsdale, AZChannel your inner Kate Bush and rock a dramatic red dress! This adorable lace dress is SO-1980s in all the right ways! Bold, sculptural sleeves demand your attention- not to mention...Category
1980s Unknown Maxi Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood red wool double-breasted blazer dress, fw 1989By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood red double-breasted blazer dress ▪ 100% Wool ▪ Shawl lapel ▪ Fourteen gold orb buttons ▪ 'Voyage to Cythera' collection ▪ FR 4...Category
1980s British Day Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Azzedine Alaïa Was a Couturier Who Thought Like a Sculptor
The first fashion exhibit to be held at the new London Design Museum celebrates the famed Tunisian-Parisian couturier's lifetime of work.
The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.