A Fashion Icon
Embrace the timeless glamor of Alaïa with the historic label’s FW19 collection
One of the most iconic designers of the past 40 years, the late Azzedine Alaïa is world renowned for his couture creations, which have been worn by everyone from Grace Jones and Tina Turner to Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama. Having debuted his first ready-to-wear collection in his Parisian studio apartment in 1981, Alaïa began working with the very best in the business, from supermodels Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Stephanie Seymour to stylist Joe McKenna and artist Julian Schnabel. He quickly amassed an impressive roster of accolades, including two awards at the French Ministry of Culture’s Oscars de la Mode (Oscars of Fashion) for Best French Collection and Best Designer of the Year. Thanks to his education in sculpture from the influential École des Beaux-Arts fine-arts school in Paris, the Tunisian-born designer had a comprehensive understanding of the female form and was revered for his body-con silhouettes, which became a defining aesthetic of the ’80s.
Today, the Maison Alaïa studio team continues the master designer’s legacy, eschewing a runway show each season in favor of debuting the collections as and when they are ready – just as Azzedine chose to do himself. So, what can fans of the label expect for FW19? With craftsmanship and couture still at the heart of the brand’s DNA, the same exquisite modern artistry and detail that Alaïa is renowned for has been applied to each piece within the ready-to-wear and accessories collections, be it a tailored coat, jacquard-knit dress or studded laser-cut leather tote.
A black double-breasted wool-gabardine coat is one of the standout pieces of the season, exquisitely cut to be fitted at the top and waist and flared at the skirt to create an ultra-flattering silhouette. With its elegant leather-covered buttons and pleated detail at the back, it works just as well worn by day, with jeans or a suit, as it does over an evening dress at night. The label’s lace-up stiletto ankle boots, expertly crafted from laser-cut suede that creates a diamond-lattice effect, are the perfect partner.
Of course, no Alaïa collection would be complete without an ultra-sleek dress in the designer’s signature body-sculpting jacquard-knit. The perfect transitional piece that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, this season’s high-neck, long-sleeved mini dress has an artistic monochromatic wave-inspired print that streamlines the frame. Enhance the effect even further by teaming with one of the brand’s wide waist belts in contrasting white. Alternatively, opt for a bodysuit and coordinating skirt for an ultra-chic, minimalist look – this season’s coordinating set fits together so seamlessly that it appears to be a dress. When not wearing the pair together, the bodysuit can be mixed and matched with ease and worn with everything from skinny jeans to pencil skirts, making it a true foundation piece for a modern woman’s wardrobe.
The ultimate go-to for combining form with function, Alaïa remains beloved all over the world for its bold and unapologetically glamorous silhouettes – a stalwart of Parisian glamor.
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