When I discovered French-Tunisian fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, it felt like I finally discovered one of the greatest masters of all time. It was back in 2013 – yes pretty recently considering his career and greatest fashion moments – in Paris where I was mesmerized by his unique creations which were exposed at Galliera Museum and displayed at Galeries Lafayette. I remember the precision of his cut – never trust a designer who can’t handle a pair of scissors! , his timeless close-fitting designs – could be worn anytime and throughout the years – and the architectural shapes. The latter could have been influenced by his early career as a sculptor and his fascination for the human form.
Alaïa was known as a rebel in the fashion industry. He never abided by fashion weeks’ calendars, organizing his own shows according to his own schedule. The man in black who greatly impacted the 80s and could stand out on the runway despite his small figure was one of the most independent designers yet one of the most influential.
I can’t recall Alaïa through the hundreds of public figures who wore one of his designs. Because what makes Alaïa so special is his own design not who wore it as well as the statement he made: fashion is more than a piece of clothing: it is a way of empowering women.
Farewell Master Alaïa…
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