ALAIA black suede pumps
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 38 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2038219434562
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 1 day of delivery.
- Dolce & Gabbana Brocade Fabric Over The Knee Jeweled BootsBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana's Multicolor Brocade Fabric Over The Knee Boots boast a striking combination of beige velvet, brown leather, and intricate embellishments like stones and studs. The h...Category
2010s Italian Boots
- 1980s Emmanuel Ungaro Cropped Sleeveless Waistcoat BoleroBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in London, GBEmmanuel Ungaro cropped sleeveless cropped waistcoat, Navy Blue and Ivory vertical stripe print, silk lining Size: 40 IT / 8 UK / 0-2 USA Measurem...Category
1980s Italian Bolero Jackets
- 1990s Moschino Cropped Denim Pom Pom Bolero Cropped JacketBy Moschino JeansLocated in London, GB1990s Moschino cropped denim pom pom bolero, dark blue/grey neutral denim colour with black Spanish Matador-esque black pom-pom trim all the way round the edges and several rows on t...Category
1990s Italian Bolero Jackets
- 1990s Gianni versace Couture Medusa Denim Fishtail Maxi SkirtBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in London, GBStunning Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Denim Fishtail Maxi Skirt, light denim fabric, back zipper, medium height waist, silk lining in light bro...Category
1990s Italian Flare Skirts
- 1980s Gucci Military Cotton HandkerchiefBy GucciLocated in London, GBThis early 1980s Gucci Military Emblem Print Cotton Handkerchief is a rare and highly sought after item, in the form of a square with multiple colors. Condition: early 1980s, vintag...Category
1980s Italian Handkerchiefs
- 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue Stud WalletBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBFREE UK and WORLDWIDE DELIVERY YVES SAINT LAURENT stud wallet purse featuring navy blue madras leather, silver studs, card slots, 3x note slots, zipped compartment for change Con...Category
1980s French Wallets
- Chanel Black and White Patent Leather Cage Peep Toe Booties Shoes Size 41 or 11By ChanelLocated in Tustin, CAHard to find size 11 or 41, Chanel Black and White Patent Leather Cage Peep Toe Booties Shoes from the Spring 2015 runway collection of the legendary luxury brand Chanel. These edgy...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels
- Louis Vuitton Suede Perforated ShoesBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLPurposely created to exude style and provide comfort wherever you go, this pair of loafers by Louis Vuitton is absolutely worth the buy! They have been finely crafted from perforated...Category
Early 2000s French Shoes
- SAINT LAURENT Farrah Star Platform SandalsBy Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThe most incredible 1970s inspired platform sandals by Saint Laurent with star embellishment. The model is Farrah. These rare platform sandals are the perfect statement shoe! These...Category
2010s French Sandals