One thing’s sure – this perfume is going to be as good, as the campaign shot by Paolo Roversi and styled by Julien D’ys. Sexy, sensual, elusive – just like the magic of Alaia. The bottle is beautiful just like Alaia’s signature body dresses. Can’t wait to smell it because the expectations for Azzedine’s debutant fragrance are really high…
Azzedine Alaia is the only designer which shows his collection whenever he wants, always out of schedule. Far from paparazzi, Anna Dello Russo and Russian “fashionistas”, the master of XX-XXI century couture showed his summer collection, which looked like lace- but in reality, was all about fine knitting. We had some beautiful tailored shirts, exotic leather jackets, safari suits and airy caftans. All based on natural colours, the collection was simple, but very less is more. In reality this collection was chic-er and more couture than any haute couture show presented lately. And again, Alaia proves us one basic fact- his fashion is timeless. The dress which was bought 10 years ago from Alaia looks as good as the one bought one year ago. This is a real genius of fashion.
Iconic photograph of Grace Jones backstage at Alaia 1984/85. Bold and beautiful.
No fuss, more impact. As always out of schedule, but with friends and cozy atmosphere, Alaia presented his new collection, that is the first one after his recent Musee Galliera exhibition. And, it was totally Alaia. Nothing mind-breaking, but only, and only, class and elegance. Leather, pony hair, knitted body dresses, hooded gowns… and everything kept in toned colours. Mainly, Alaïa stuck to subtle silhouette updates, offering a roomier V-neck jumper and adding a rectangular fringe—occasionally knotted—to the edge of his skirts to give them a fresh swish in place of his typical flounce. A technique he dubbed “Religieuse” combined larger organ pleats with interior accordion pleats, and on a floor-grazing skirt or a truncated cape, the result was something akin to seeing Sister in the corner office. Indeed, with the recurrence of all those starched white poplin shirts, Alaïa further confirmed how his view of femininity has shifted since his heyday of cleavage-bearing necklines.
Alaia is one of the most important fashion visionaires in the history. His body dresses, great craftmanship, beauty of the fabrics and fairy-tale creations are beloved by the biggest fashionistas, models, curators, journalists and others. Azzedine Alaia is so previledged, that he can show his collections whenever he wants. And 2013 was his year. Firstly, he opened a new flagship store in Paris. And then, monsieur A.A. got a great exhibition in Musee Galliera. In this museum, you can see the most important and out of this world gowns made out of metal, coats with crocodile tails and sea-shells on bustiers. After seeing it all, I am still amazed about how this man changed the fashion world, making young designers inspired by him. And I recomend you, to go there too. And fast because the exhibition closes on January 26!
Design & Culture by Ed 