Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier, A Style Guide to Tunisia's Influential Designer

Béatrice Dalle (& Azzedine Alaïa) photographed in Paris by Jean-Paul Goude - 1998
Béatrice Dalle (& Azzedine Alaïa) photographed in Paris by Jean-Paul Goude - 1998
Julia Gardener

Though Azzedine Alaïa didn’t advertise his clothes, or even show them at fashion week, the Tunisian-born designer was one of most influential craftsmen in the history of fashion. He refused the French Legion of Honor three times, but found gratification elsewhere; after doing his shows, models used to refuse their booking fee, asking instead to be paid in clothes. Ahead of the Azzedine Alaïa exhibition at Design Museum, we remember the designer who made clothes reported to be “the closest fashion comes to a masterpiece”.

How do you identify an Alaïa design?

The Skater Dress

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

“It’s the ultimate Alaïa silhouette” Olivier Saillard explains, referring to the dress that is fitted at the waistline and goes out at the hips, forming a sculpted circle skirt. Other designers, both in couture and on the high street, have endlessly copied the design, but Azzedine Alaïa remains the master of the flattering cut.

http://instagram.com/p/BGM-FxQOxon/?taken-by=azzedinealaiaofficial&hl=en

Figure fitting form

Dubbed the ‘King of Cling’, Azzedine Alaïa focussed on the female body when creating his garments. The ‘Bandelette’ dress in particular justified the noble title, and was created entirely from stretch strips to highlight the wearer’s figure. Unsurprisingly, Alaïa dresses are notoriously sexy; some joke that “you don’t have to wear underwear when you wear Alaïa’, but the general consensus is that the couturier’s designs were “seductive without being vulgar”.

Luxurious materials

Azzedine Alaïa is a man who believed in quality over quantity, creating rare collections of handmade items on his own schedule. However, his craftsmanship didn’t come cheap: designs are priced not in hundreds, but thousands. This allowed the self-proclaimed ‘builder’ of clothes to use extravagant fabrics; perforated leather was a recurring favourite and crocodile skin became “a sort of logo-less logo for Alaïa”.

Azzedine Alaïa biography: Your questions answered

Where did Azzedine Alaïa study?

Lying about his age to get accepted, Azzedine Alaïa studied sculpture at the Institut Supérieur des Beaux Arts in Tunis. Though the designer has definitely retained a sculptor’s eye, he didn’t complete the course, explaining in The Independent that ’when I realised I couldn’t be an amazing sculptor, I changed direction’.

Which designers has Azzedine Alaïa worked with?

Azzedine Alaïa left for Paris in 1957, headed for the Christian Dior atelier. However, he was asked to leave after only five days, being told that “you can’t work here any longer. You’re a foreigner”. He then went on to Guy Laroche, learning how to tailor for two seasons, before working alongside his friend, Thierry Mugler.

Where did Azzedine Alaïa open his first atelier?

The first Alaïa atelier was opened in Paris in the late 1970s, based in the designer’s apartment on Rue de Bellechasse. The tiny apartment was regularly visited by the crème de la crème of high society, ranging from Marie-Hélène de Rothschild to Greta Garbo.

Where is the Alaïa brand based now?

Azzedine Alaïa created a center for all things Alaïa on Rue du Moussy. The Parisian location is home to the atelier, showroom, studio, boutique, and was where the designer was based until he died.

Who was Alaïa partnered with?

The company was part of the Prada group between 2000-2007 before going into an agreement with Richemont.

Azzedine Alaïa died, 18th November 2017.

The best quotes about Azzedine Alaïa

http://instagram.com/p/BIKupQ8B5_4/?taken-by=azzedinealaiaofficial&hl=en

There is just one good reason to do fashion: to make the woman look more beautiful. If that is not the case, it has no meaning for me to create – Business of Fashion

I always feel free – I feel really free. When I don’t want something, I don’t make it. Even if there’s finance behind it, if I don’t feel it, I don’t do it. I always feel free; this is my strength – The Independent

We don’t have good ideas every day, it’s not possible. Nobody has new ideas every day. When you have one in the year, that’s already good – Women’s Wear Daily
Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier will open at the Design Museum, London in May 2018.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article