1990s Azzedine Alaia Valentine Red Virgin Wool Knit Dress

Description

Bright rose red knit dress by the Azzedine Alaia, the "King of Cling"! The dress is composed of soft virgin wool, is knee length, with long sleeves, and a jewel collar. The dress clings ever so slightly to the hips and thighs, has a loose waist, and dolman sleeves. The back of the dress features six black snap buttons for closure. This dress truly is an Alaia!

Bust- 35"
Waist- 31"
Hips- 37"
Length- 23"
Sleeve Length-23"

Alaia moved to Paris in the 1950s, after finishing his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunisia. He worked for various houses and designers including Christian Dior, Guy Laroche, and Thierry Mugler, before striking it out on his own. Alaia’s work caught the discerning eyes of the Parisian elite, including Countess Nicole de Blégiers and Louise de Vilmorin, as well as Greta Garbo.

In the 1980s, Alaia rose to prominence on the international stage with his body conscious, curve hugging designs. “The Trinity” of reigning supermodels of the day, Naomi Campbell (with whom he shaded a loving father-daughter relationship(he would even take her to dentist appointments!)), Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, were seen time and time again in his slinky dresses and sky high heels. He also designed much of the wardrobe of Grace Jones' character “May Day” in the 1985 James Bond Film “A View to Kill”.

In the 1990s, after the death of his beloved sister Hafida, Alaia withdrew from fashion. He eventually returned after conducting a series of business moves in the 2000s -involving Prada and the Richmond group (owner of Chloe and Cartier)- that would guarantee his artistic freedom as well as financial safety.

Azzedine Alaia was the master of his own destiny, rejecting aspects of the fashion industry including the traditional calendar, timelines, and advertising norms. He refused to bend to the market’s will. He was a perfectionist who would show his work only when it was finished. Alaia was internationally renowned, his designs appearing on the covers of magazines, runways across the globe, and in the halls of Museums. He was made a chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 2008.

Clients include:
Countess Nicole de Blégiers, Louise de Vilmorin, Greta Garbo, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Farida Khelfa, Sophie Hicks, Stephanie Seymour, Marion Cotillard, Alicia Silverstone, Carla Bruni, Nicki Minaj, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Solange Knowles, and Behati Prinsloo.