Tributes have poured in for the iconic Tunisian couturier.
His visionary designs won him a devoted legion of fans, who are today mourning the news of Azzedine Alaïa’s passing.
The legendary couturier, who was born and raised in Tunisia, died in Paris on November 18 at the age of 77.
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He started out working for Christian Dior, Guy Laroche and Thierry Mugler before launching his eponymous line in the late 1970s.
Alaïa’s first ready-to-wear collection, which made its debut in 1980, helped sky-rocket the designer to fame, with his star rising throughout the ’80s.
“I like women,” he said in a rare interview in 2013, according to The Guardian. “I never think about doing new things, about being creative, but about making clothing that will make women beautiful.”
He retired from the fashion week scene in recent years, though made a much-welcomed return to the runway just four months ago.
The designer presented his Autumn Winter 2017/2018 collection at Haute Couture Fashion Week in July, after a six-year hiatus from the catwalk.
The show was opened and closed by iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell, who has previously described Alaïa as a father figure.
As news of his death broke, an army of fans—including Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham—took to social media to pay tribute to the designer, who famously refused to bow to the traditional seasonal calendars of the fashion world.
A sad day. Rest in peace #azzedinealaia …You were a true master and one of my biggest inspirations 🙏 x VB pic.twitter.com/ZIFMRtHHCH
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) November 18, 2017
These were my last moments w/ Azzedine Alaïa. He was just behind the door to my right as I sat on his stoop & sang “Joanne” to my fans. I’ll cherish this moment in my heart forever. As I was leaving he would not stop showering me w/ love+gifts. There will never be another #Alaïa https://t.co/zBNuW5kapg
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) November 19, 2017
GOD Bless this Talented and Beautiful Soul! ♥️🌺♥️🌺♥️ Azzedjne Alaia ♥️🌺♥️🌺🌺♥️! I was so Lucky to know him. Work with him and laugh with him!! 🙏🏻 May he rest in Peace! 🙏🏻 #stevenmeisel pic.twitter.com/ZOjHi2H0vL
— Madonna (@Madonna) November 18, 2017
The fashion world may have lost an icon, but Alaïa’s legacy will truly live on in his designs.
Images: Getty
