How Lady Gaga paid tribute to the late Azzedine Alaïa at the American Music Awards

The superstar dug into the legendary designer’s back catalogue for her appearance.

The fashion world was left devastated when it was revealed that iconic couturier Azzedine Alaïa had passed away in Paris over the weekend.

The Tunisian designer, who won a legion of fans with his architecturally sculpted and form-flattering gowns, completely shaped the face of fashion from the 1980s onwards, and was beloved by many a famous face.

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Among them is Lady Gaga, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who revealed she was “devastated [she] didn’t get to say goodbye” to Alaïa.

“I’ll mourn forever the loss of my friend,” the Bad Romance star wrote on Instagram as news of the 77-year-old designer’s death broke.

I’ll mourn forever the loss of my friend. A true genius in not only fashion but in his heart. He was a king and had the highest standards of design and work ethic. He was so giving, so loving, his heart so full and pure. I️’d watch in awe as he hand made each and every piece, his fingers touching the fabric like poetry. Then he would want to feed us all, and cook with his own hands and talk for hours at the table while his dogs would run around joyfully smelling the delicious food he made us. To say he was special would be an understatement. To say he was integral, important and influential to fashion is simply not enough. There was no one who did what he did. No one knew a woman’s body like him. He should be celebrated as one of the greatest fashion designers the world has ever known. I️ love you, Azzedine. I️’m devastated I️ didn’t get to say goodbye. I️ love you.

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 18, 2017 at 11:11am PST

“I️’d watch in awe as he hand made each and every piece, his fingers touching the fabric like poetry. Then he would want to feed us all, and cook with his own hands and talk for hours at the table while his dogs would run around joyfully smelling the delicious food he made us.

“To say he was special would be an understatement. To say he was integral, important and influential to fashion is simply not enough. There was no one who did what he did.”

The mourning star—whose real name is Stefani Germanotta—used her appearance at the American Music Awards, which took place just a day after Alaïa’s passing, to honour her late friend.

All copper e’rythang. #AMAs #Makeup #ladygaga #Hair

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 19, 2017 at 4:25pm PST

Lady Gaga wasn’t at the LA event itself but the singer, who won Favourite Female Artist in the Pop/Rock genre, had the awards brought to her as she was currently in Washington DC on her world tour.

The singer performed The Cure at the AMAs via a live stream, and posed at a specially set-up red carpet.

Gaga dug into Alaïa’s back catalogue on the night, donning two mini dresses from the designer in a sartorial homage.

Behind the Scenes getting ready for #AMAs in #Alaïa and this year they brought the show to me! ❤️ From the #Joanneworldtour In DC! #ladygaga Styling @tomeerebout @sandraamador.xx

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 19, 2017 at 4:14pm PST

First came a houndstooth number, followed by a classic black body-con dress, both emblematic of Alaïa’s signature aesthetic.

#AMAs heeere we goooo!! #AMAsRedCarpet #AMAsxGaga Styling @tomeerebout @sandraamador.xx Hair @fredericaspiras Makeup @sarahtannomakeup Photo @alex.j.dolan

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 19, 2017 at 5:19pm PST

Gaga has been a loyal client of the Tunis-born couturier for years, with one of the duo’s most iconic collaborations being this gown Alaïa designed for the singer’s appearance at the 2015 Academy Awards.