Alaia, Patent leather pumps in black
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 39 (EU)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:AMSTERDAM, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3418220991642
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Givenchy, Black suede ankle bootsBy GivenchyLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLGivenchy, Black suede ankle boots with silver studs. The item is new - unworn and comes with dustbag and box. Box is a bit damaged. • CONDITIO...Category
2010s Boots
- Jimmy Choo, Dakota 100 metallic wedgeBy Jimmy ChooLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLJimmy Choo, Dakota 100 metallic lizard effect wedge. The item is new - unworn • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: 38.5 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 11 cm PLAT...Category
2010s Shoes
- Chanel, Satin espadrilles in blueBy ChanelLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLChanel, Satin espadrilles in blue. The item has discolouration all over, but hardly been worn. • CONDITION: signs of wear • SIZE: 38.5 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm • HEEL MEASU...Category
2010s Shoes
- Jimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedgeBy Jimmy ChooLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLJimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedge. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: 39 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25.5 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 10 cm ...Category
2010s Shoes
- Chanel, ponyskin and lurex ballerinaBy ChanelLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLChanel, ponyskin and lurex ballerina in multicolor. The item is in very good condition. Comes with box. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: 37.5 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 24 cm...Category
2010s Shoes
- Gianvito Rossi, Plexi pump in nudeBy Gianvito RossiLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLGianvito Rossi, Plexi pump in nude. The item is new - unworn and comes with dustbag. • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: 38.5 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 10....Category
2010s Heels
- Dolce & Gabbana D&G Leopard Ankle Boots LeatherBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLGorgeous and very rare 100% authentic D&G Leopard Ankle Boots size 41 made from 91% ponyskin. A leather bottom sole. A pointed toe. A side zipper w...Category
Early 2000s Italian Boots
- Christian Dior 90s Boutique Black Satin PumpsBy Christian DiorLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLThese exceptional unique CD Boutique pumps size 39,5 were typically crafted from luxurious satin fabric. Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric known for its sheen and soft texture, making it a popular choice for evening and special occasion footwear. Christian Dior is a prestigious French fashion house founded by Christian Dior in 1946. In the 1990s, Christian Dior created a range of pumps that were popular during that era, including satin pumps that captured the essence of '90s fashion. Christian Dior's pumps from this era often featured a classic and timeless silhouette and elegant design that was both feminine and sophisticated. Embellishments: Some of these pumps may have featured embellishments such as bows, crystal details, or Dior's signature logo. The embellishments added a touch of glamour and luxury to the shoes. Limited Availability: Vintage Christian Dior pumps...Category
1990s French Low Heels
- 1990's Gianni Versace Gold Medallion Sun Women's Shoes Vintage 36 Ankle BootsBy Gianni VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWVintage Gianni Versace gold medallion coin boots Feature Material: Black Leather & Gold Medallion Condition: Very good, light signs of wear as pictured. Colour: Gold Size: IT 36 Per...Category
1990s European Heels
- Just Don Luxury Basketball Courtside Hi Sneaker Size 43Located in Bear, DEJust Don Luxury Basketball Courtside Hi Size 43 (fits US10-11) Og all (box is slightly damaged) Good overall condition but signs of wear (view all detailed pics) Retailed at $660 Made in Italy, a very high quality luxury shoe...Category
2010s Shoes
- Air Jordan 6 Retro+ Defining Moments DMP 2006 Black / Gold size 11Located in Bear, DEAir Jordan 6 Retro+ Defining Moments DMP 2006 Size 11 Excellent condition (amazing for its age) Please understand that this is an older shoe and wear at your own risk No box, will ...Category
Early 2000s Shoes
- PRADA SS2008 pumpsLocated in Paris, FRTag: PRADA Size: 36,5 FR/ UK 4/ US 5,5 Spring 2008 Fairy Collection statement pumps by PRADA. From one of the fashion house's most memorable moments in collaboration with artist...Category
Early 2000s European Heels