Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier | The Design Museum, London
by Martha Rodriguez
“I always feel free. When I don’t want something, I don’t make.” - Azzedine Alaia
Remembering Azzedine Alaia’s work throughout the years, The Design Museum London holds Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier- a special tribute exhibition showcasing his sensuous body-hugging forms described as ‘second-skin’ layered in the latest stretch materials and tailored leather. He created respect and excitement by not following the fashion calendar and just dressing women beautifully in his own creations. A true definition of couture.
He was born in Tunisia and quickly became interested with fashion as he started supporting his family by sewing hems for a local dressmaker. He then studied in Paris and briefly works for Christian Dior under Yves Saint Laurent in 1950. Alaïa met his would be life-long partner Christoph von Weyhe in 1959. In 1980, Alaïa showcased his first ready-to-wear collection for spring/summer collection where he iconically chose to work and produce leather garments with metal eyelets, metal zippers, and structured leather suits.
No wonder when you walk inside the exhibition, the first collection you see are the tight-fitting tailored leather suits with silver mesh wrapped around it. It is the design DNA of Alaïa which made him a master of his craft. The dedication, respect, and love of Monsieur Alaïa towards the process of creating garments with meticulous attention to detail are the traits only real couturiers possess that continue to inspire countless emerging and established designers today- and he, definitely, is one. Rest in beautiful peace, Monsieur Azzedine Alaïa.
Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier
Gallery 1, The Design Museum London
Until 7 October 2018
Just like Alaïa revered works, the VESTI Jetsetter 2.0 is perfect for the edgy woman. Made in full grain leather and adorned with metal rivets, surely, this bag will complement an Alaïa garment. Get yours here.
