The fashion world has sadly lost one of its icons- Azzedine Alaïa, the French-Tunisian couturier, who recently died at the age of 82. We all know Alaïa—the “King of Cling” who was renowned for his idiosyncratic designs and form-fitting styles.
Little do we know however that…
- Alaïa was born to a farming family in Tunisia in 1940 and studied sculpture at the Tunis fine arts school before working at a small neighborhood dressmaker’s shop.
- He lied about his age to attend the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunis. After graduating, he started working as a dressmaker.
- He moved to Paris in the late 1950s, working briefly for Dior where he was dismissed for having false immigration papers after five days.
- Alaïa idolized Madeleine Vionnet, the revolutionary Parisian designer.
- In 1980 he produced his first ready-to-wear collection, which was worn by trailblazers of fashion, Melka Tréanton of Depeche Mode and Nicole Crassat of French Elle, who both regularly featured his work in their magazines.
- The supermodel Naomi Campbell, who enjoyed a close relationship with Alaïa for many years, called him “papa,” and attributed her success to his guidance.
- His designs were catered to some of the biggest names in the Fashion industry including Helena, Stephanie and Lady Gaga.
- Former US first lady Michelle Obama was among his haute couture fans.
- He enjoyed working on his designs deep into the night, often to the soundtrack of old movies.
- In 2000, Alaïa signed a partnership with the Prada Group.
By: Mohamed Taky