Plus, is Dubai getting an Alaïa store?
Following his death in November, the fashion world has mourned Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa. Famed for his sculptural, timeless creations, the designer has left a hole in the industry.
Now, as an exhibition of his work opens at a gallery beside his Paris studio, we’re hearing Dubai may be home to the next Alaïa store.
Read:
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Women’s Wear Daily reports that a boutique may open here in the UAE as early as March. Details beyond that are thin on the ground, but we’re sure such a move would be embraced by UAE fashionistas.
The Paris exhibition focuses on Alaïa’s monochrome pieces, WWD reports, with 40 garments dating back to 1981. Each is presented in an aluminum half-shell which reflects soft light around it from all angles.
“It’s like a pearl necklace, and each pearl contains a dress,” curator Olivier Saillard told the site. “There is no chronology, intentionally, because Azzedine always said that a piece could live for several seasons.”
Similarly, the brand’s collections going forward will draw on the designer’s archives. No star designer will take the reins, WWD reports.
“It’s timeless and there is such a strong image, a strong silhouette — you immediately say, ‘This is Alaïa.’ You don’t need to change that. Nobody should touch that. It’s untouchable,” Italian retailer and Alaïa sidekick Carla Sozzani told the site.
Alaïa’s staff are in the process of turning his atelier into a foundation which will stage exhibitions and work to preserve his legacy.
Meanwhile, in London, another retrospective of the designer’s work is set to open in May.
Images: Getty
