“I make clothes, women create fashion.”

Azzedine Alaia was born in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1936. In his late teens, he moved to Paris and worked for fashion designer Guy Laroche. In 1963, he launched his own brand as a bespoke designer for private clients. His clientele at the time included prominent actresses such as Arletty and Greta Garbo. At the suggestion of his friend Thierry Mugler, he presented his first collection in 1979.



Alaia incorporated leather into couture from the late 70s, earlier than many designers like Versace. As a pioneer, he expressed the beauty of leather through sensual designs. In addition to leather, he was also an early adopter of materials like knitwear and felt wool, giving rise to various silhouettes born from his unique sensibility. Metal eyelets and zippers were also essential details in Alaia's pieces.





Alaia demonstrated exceptional skill in garment construction. He was a genius couturier who handled everything from pattern making to sculpting volume and drapes with fabric, to cutting and sewing. His drapes, influenced by his sculpture studies in Tunis, possess a sculptural presence. His creations continue to captivate women worldwide. Celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell, and Victoria Beckham are among his admirers.



Regarding women, Alaia said, “A woman is an actress. She must always be on stage and always look beautiful. Clothes are part of a woman; she should feel them on her body. We should pay attention to the woman, just as we pay attention to her clothes. Her face, her body, her hands...—Clothes emphasize a woman's character and make her beautiful.”











A Genius of Couture

This exhibition, the first Alaïa show in Paris, features 70 iconic pieces carefully selected to represent his creative career. From his early works to recent couture, a wide range of his creations are on display. This is a rare opportunity to see his elegant cuts, delicate draped dresses, signature silhouettes finished with precise darts and seams, and the diverse creations of Alaïa.





Furthermore, some works are displayed in the Salle Henri Matisse at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, which is connected to the main venue, Palais Galliera. Alaïa's couture is presented alongside Henri Matisse's masterpieces "La Danse ou Lutte des Nymphes" and "La Danse Inachevée" (1931). The collaboration between fashion and art is also a highlight.