Alaïa Afore Alaïa

【Book Description】

Azzedine Alaïa (1935–2017), hailed as a genius of contemporary fashion, is the subject of this richly detailed volume edited by his closest friend, Carla Sozzani. Drawing on rare first-hand accounts and archival materials, the book traces Alaïa’s journey from his early life in Tunisia, through his arrival in Paris in 1956, to his breakthrough moment at the 1982 New York fashion show.

Organized chronologically, the book vividly portrays Alaïa’s path from his apprenticeship years to his gradual immersion into Paris’s creative circles and high society. While devoting himself wholeheartedly to his craft, he forged close friendships with cultural and artistic luminaries including Arletty, Louise de Vilmorin, sculptor César, designer Andrée Putman, and fashion icon Thierry Mugler. Alongside striking photographs of his iconic garments, the volume unveils many lesser-known designs, enriched by Alaïa’s own reflections on the inspirations and stories behind his creations.

Featuring intimate anecdotes from figures such as Serge Lutens, Edgar Morin, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, and Marie Rucki, the book offers a multifaceted portrait of the designer. Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, it brings together rare archival documents, private photographs, and landmark publications, capturing in full the extraordinary journey and enduring legacy of this fashion legend.


【Details】

Author: Carla Sozzani, Olivier Saillard, Laurence Benaim
Publisher: Rizzoli
Publication Year: 2022
Dimensions: 30 × 24 cm
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416