Azzedine Alaïa

Alaïa Azzedine is proving that aesthetics have no limits; raised in Tunis, he founded his fashion house with a little help from his amicably authentic skills in the 80s. The mystery, the constant and sincere passion that characterize his creations have no doubt contributed to the fact that he is now so honored by the public.

This is what happens when creativity meets mystery. Being able to intertwine the two is a technique that takes time to acquire, and Azzedine is taking off in an unprecedented way. Just like Sonia Rykiel, he knows how to have fun with his virtuosic techniques, sculpting stretchy mesh dress before moving onto leather or Mongolian lamb to make the very same zig-zag hems that became his signature after the 80s. Only a select few individuals ever get to see his “off season” runway shows. After eight years of zero activity at his Rue de Moussy boutique in Paris, the doors are finally opening once more to reveal the designer’s unique universe of modesty and restraint.

It’s like a highbrow hodgepodge of high school geometry problems that all seem to correspond to the female anatomy. In July 2011, Azzedine’s repertoire consisted of glam pieces with a touch of sportiness: fur and stretchy mesh dresses, considerably-sized riding jackets… But of all the essentials in his wardrobe, the basic DNA of Azzedine is most vividly apparent in his ice skating dress; with its veritable waterfall of ruffles and extra-supported bust, it’s an instant classic. Giving alluring women everywhere a mischievous touch, the dress was even spotted on Michelle Obama who, in line with the typical Alaïa-wearing woman, refuses to be tied down by trends.

And so, Azzedine is binding Alaïa to fashion forevermore without ever copying his peers or letting quality slip to the wayside. His “Second Skin” dress as well as the concept of “body consciousness” break women free from the omnipresent shackles of a Size 0 society. For him, women are perfect when their movements are made alluring and delicate through the complexion of their clothing. Women are swooning for this “big little man”: too sensitive to make his female fans feel constrained, equally too sensitive to see himself so adored by them.