Philosophy
Azzedine Alaia is the first haute couture line of Tunisian fashion designer.
He was born in Tunis, where he studies sculpture and he discovers his passion for fashion.
Alaia moved to Paris in 1957 and he starts his training at the famous fashion company Christian Dior and then at Thierry Mugler and Guy Laroche in New York.
In the late 70's he opened his own atelier in Rue de Bellechasse, where he created for twenty years his sophisticated creations for the women of French elite.
He is appreciated by avant-garde customers thanks to hugging dresses, considered as a second skin, jackets shaped by zip, belts, gloves and shoes in studded or perforated leather, which are still popular by celebrities.
Alaia created his first line of prêt-a-porter in 1980.
The Tunisian designer takes inspiration by the tridimensionality of his sculpture, with a particular attention to the bottom, considered as the main important "feminine seduction" tool.
Brand proposals are total black dresses enriched by embroideries, tight long bon-ton dresses, leather stiletto, blazers with reptile details on the back and fringe skirt.
After the partnership with the Prada Group, the brand has a new position in the fashion industry.
© Images copyright: Alaia and rightful owners.