IRK magazine was invited to the opening of Azzedine Alaïa’s exhibition held at the late designer’s home and studio. The opening was on the first day of Haute Couture Fashion Week. His close friends including Naomi Campbell and Carla Sozzani were there among the fashion elite to honor Azzedine Alaïa and to take a glimpse at his legacy.
The exhibit shows visitors his historical collection from Spring/Summer 1992, which was the first show to be presented at 18 rue de la Verrerie. On year prior to that, Alaïa moved into the Hotel Particulier with Christoph von Weyhe.
The collection had many pieces which were inspired by the Marquise de la Pompadour and the gardens of Versailles. In this beautiful, 17th century English inspired collection, we see the the designer's use of English embroidery on the long skirts, the emphasise on the reverse side of the jacket and the use diligent cuts in leather to create a lace-like bustier. The dresses were given an extra touch with ‘’mon ceour est à papa’’ ribbons.
The spring-summer 1992 collection is one of Azzedine Alaia’s most important shows and getting to see the pieces up close with your own eye, is a true gift.
This exhibition is only the beginning of what the Association Azzedine Alaïa will bring us. Azzedine Alaia left us 60 years of his work to admire plus he was one of the few designers to have collected fashion so there are countless pieces by Vionnet, Grès, Balenciaga. Just a year after his passing and the Association Azzedine Alaïa is already one of the most important museums in fashion to see.
Walking out of the building and entering the courtyard, you could easily imagine the master himself walking in the rooms, working on wonderful pieces and preparing for the next season’s show.
“Je Suis Couturier” is open July 6th - January 2019 from 11 am to 7 pm every day at the Association Azzedine Alaïa, 18 rue de la Verriere, Paris 4th.
Photo credit: Prosper Assouline, Andrea Aversa
