AZZEDINE ALAIA '91 bodysuit
View Similar Items
AZZEDINE ALAIA '91 bodysuit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Style:90's (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Leonardo, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2835215893702
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.
- JOHN GALLIANO 2001 vintage cartoon print sleeveless topBy John GallianoLocated in Leonardo, NJJohn Galliano Vintage SS01 Size Small Pristine, NWT's ALL SALES FINAL. No returns, exchanges, etc. This fun sleeveless top is perfect for Summer. Wear to the beach, on a yacht, sip...Category
Early 2000s Blouses and Tops
- RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION Purple Label Silk 2013 runway evening gown maxi dressBy Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Leonardo, NJRalph Lauren Collection Purple Label Runway SS13 USA Size 8 100% Silk Inner Boned Corset NWT's FINAL SALE. NO returns, exchanges, etc. This dress is so fun and incredibly photogenic.Category
2010s Ball Gowns
- JITROIS stretch suede khaki beige pencil skirtBy Jean-Claude JitroisLocated in Leonardo, NJNWT's Jitrois tan beige pencil stretch suede skirt. Super comfy, no flaws, lightweight. F40, Measurements laying flat in inches: waist 15, hips 17, length 18.5 ... the 15 waist canno...Category
2010s Pencil Skirts
- VIVIENNE TAM 90's vintage red long maxi dressBy Vivienne TamLocated in Leonardo, NJVivienne Tam Vintage Size 2 (Medium) Pristine FINAL SALE. NO returns, exchanges, etc. This fire engine red Vivienne Tam spaghetti maxi dress is the perfect Summer piece. Wear with ...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- John Galliano for Christian Dior silk black maxi gown dress with white lace trimBy Christian DiorLocated in Leonardo, NJFINAL SALE. NO RETURNS/REFUNDS John Galliano for Christian Dior. Not sure of the exact year. Pristine condition. Everything is perfect, no yellowing of the white/ivory lace. Anythin...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli Leopard Corset circa 1990sBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Scottsdale, AZBring out your edgy side with this Just Cavalli multicolor mixed animal print bustier top. This top's fit is almost completely customizable as it features a lace up back, adjustable ...Category
1990s Italian Tank Tops
- S/S 1995 Dolce & Gabbana White Logo Print Stretch V-Neck Brief SetBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a rare lounge/lingerie set designed by Dolce & Gabbana for their Spring/Summer 1995 collection. This iconic logo print debuted on the season's runway and appeared in the s...Category
1990s Italian Loungewear
- Prada by Miuccia Prada grey and green crocheted wool bra top, fw 2017By Miuccia Prada, PradaLocated in London, GB▪ Prada knitted bra top ▪ Designed by Miuccia Prada ▪ Crocheted grey, green and black pure new wool ▪ Bow detail at the centre-front ▪ Snap-button closure...Category
2010s Italian Bras
- Sensational Iconic Corset Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler Semi Sheer BodiceBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Berlin, BEHoly Grail. Iconic Muesum Worthy Collectors Piece Extremely rare spectacular Corset created by the One And Only Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler. Kylie ...Category
Early 2000s French Corsets
- 1990s Emilio Pucci New Light Blue + Brown + Maroon Signature Mosaic Silk Bra TopBy Emilio PucciLocated in San Diego, CASexy brand new 90s vintage EMILIO PUCCI silk bra crop top! Features the signature Pucci kaleidoscope print, with Pucci signature scribbled throughout. Straps ...Category
1990s Italian Bras
- Vivienne Westwood grey corset with Thomas Gainsborough dog print, fw 1992By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Rare Vivienne Westwood grey corset top ▪ Dog print from a detail of Thomas Gainsborough's - Tristam and Fox c. 1775–85 ▪ Red bow applique ▪ Centre-back ...Category
1990s British Corsets