Azzedine Alaïa Brown Snakeskin Studded Sandals Size IT 40
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 7 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Charlotte Olympia Black Leather Dolly Platform Heels Size IT 37By Charlotte OlympiaLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to heels is evident. light abrasion to the platforms and outer toe area, with some discolouration/dye transfer at the inside heel on this used Ch...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British High Heels
- Giuseppe Zanotti for Jenifer Lopez Brown Strappy Gladiator Heels Size IT 38.5By Giuseppe ZanottiLocated in London, GBCondition is Very Good. Minor stains, scratches and creasing evident on the leather, minor wear on outer sole on this used Giuseppe Zanotti designer resale item. Details Giuse...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Heels
- Nike x Comme des Garcons Black Transparent Dunk Low Logo Trainers Size US 8.5Located in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to trainers is evident on this used Nike x Comme des Garcons designer resale item. These shoes come with ori...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Shoes
- Stuart Weitzman Black Suede Embellished Boots Size IT 39By Stuart WeitzmanLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to boots is evident. Minimal wear to the left boot heel with abrasions to the suede on this used Stuart Weitzman designer resale item. Details B...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Boots
- Pink Leather Minas Knot Block Heel Sandals Size IT 40By Gianvito RossiLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Never Worn. No visible wear to sandals is evident on this used Gianvito Rossi designer resale item. These shoes come with original dust bag. Details Pink Leather ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Sandals
- René Caovilla Gold Leather Jewelled Espadrilles Size IT 39By René CaovillaLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Good. Minor wear to espadrilles is evident. Light wear to leather with minor fading seen around the top line binding, a number of crystals are also missing from the fore...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Shoes
- Finsk X Iris Van Herpen Black Wooden Platforms (EU 37)By Iris Van HerpenLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Wood construction Size: 37 EU / 6 US Heel Height: 150 mm / 6” Bottom Platform Height: 31 mm / 1.25” Top Platform Height: 25 mm / 1” Condition: Very good. Fai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Block Heel
- Christian Louboutin Black Patent Leather Madame Claude D'orsay Pumps Size 39By Christian LouboutinLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2It's often that we see celebrities flaunting Christian Louboutin's signature red sole shoes. These Madame Claude D'orsay pumps have been crafted from black patent leather and feature peep toes and covered counters. Wear them with an evening gown or business suits...Category
2010s Italian High Heels
- Manolo Blahnik Grey Satin Hangisi Pumps Size 39By Manolo BlahnikLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The fashion house’s tradition of excellence, coupled with modern design sensibilities, works to make these Manolo Blahnik grey pumps a fabulous choice. They'll help you deliver a chi...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Jimmy Choo Beige Patent Leather Vamp Strappy Sandals Size 36.5By Jimmy ChooLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2An exclusive pair for you to help you make a statement! These Jimmy Choo sandals are crafted from patent leather and styled in an open-toe silhouette. They feature cross straps on th...Category
2010s Italian Sandals
- Christian Louboutin Coral Patent Leather Bianca Platform Pumps Size 39By Christian LouboutinLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A classic to add to one's shoe collection is this pair. These Christian Louboutin beauties are covered in patent leather and styled with platforms, 13 cm heels, and the signature red...Category
2010s Italian High Heels
- Dior Red Patent J'Adior Slingback Pumps Size 36By Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Make a chic style statement with these designer pumps. They showcase sturdy heels and durable soles, perfect for your fashionable outings!Category
2010s Italian Sandals