Description
Azzedine Alaia (1935 2017) was regarded as a contemporary fashion genius. Edited by his close friend, Carla Sozzani, and life partner, Christoph von Weyhe, this new volume presents an unprecedented view into Alaia s early life and career, from his native Tunisia and 1956 arrival in Paris, to his breakthrough 1982 New York show. From apprenticeships to encounters with Paris s creative and society crowds, this book pays homage to Alaia s evolution. Chronological chapters depict a designer devoted to his work while enjoying friendships with such individuals as Arletty, Orson Welles, Claudette Colbert, Jean Cocteau, Louise de Vilmorin, and Andre Malraux. Quotes by Alaia accompany gorgeous photographs of iconic dresses and lesser-known designs, providing captivating stories behind the inspirations for his creations, while interviews share intimate anecdotes from Serge Lutens, Thierry Mugler, Carlyne Cerf, and more. Accompanying an exhibition at the Azzedine Alaia Foundation, this unique publication delves into rare archival materials, private photographs, and prominent publications to powerfully illustrate the fascinating journey of a fashion legend.
About the Author
Carla Sozzani cofounded the Azzedine Alaia Foundation and is its president. Laurence Benaim is the author of Women in Dior: Portraits of Elegance and Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography. She created the style supplement for Le Monde and has contributed to Vogue and Marie Claire. Emanuele Coccia is an Italian philosopher and associate professor at EHESS in Paris. Olivier Saillard is a French historian specializing in fashion and director of the Azzedine Alaia Foundation.
Reviews
"Most anticipated books of 2022: "This intimate peek into designer Azzedine Alaia's early life and career was edited and assembled by his life partner, Christoph von Weyhe, and close friend Carla Sozzani. The book covers Alaia's beginnings in his native Tunisia, to his 1956 arrival in Paris and breakthrough 1982 New York show-plus everything in between." -W MAGAZINE
"From apprenticeships to encounters with Paris's creative and society crowds, this book pays homage to iconic designer Azzedine Alaia's evolution as one of the most sought-after talents in the world." -SOCIETY TEXAS
"[Alaia's] vision was about timelessness, and the sculptural exploration of material, silhouette, detail and motion. When he rose to fame in 1982, he was already in his mid-forties; he reportedly spent six years perfecting the construction of a honeycomb pattern and he presented his work when it was finished, no sooner. 'I am like fruit,' he said in 2016. 'When I'm ready, I'm ready.' This so-called 'Alaia time' is a recurring theme in Alaia Afore Alaia, a new tome edited by Carla Sozzani and Olivier Saillard to be released this fall." -BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
"Edited by the fashion genius's closest friend, Sozzani, this new volume pays homage to his evolution and presents an unprecedented, never-before-seen view into his early life and career, from his native Tunisia and 1956 arrival in Paris to his breakthrough 1982 New York show." -INDULGE
Book Information
ISBN 9780847871124
Author Laurence Benaim
Format Hardback
Page Count 340
Imprint Rizzoli International Publications
Publisher Rizzoli International Publications
About the Author
Carla Sozzani cofounded the Azzedine Alaia Foundation and is its president. Laurence Benaim is the author of Women in Dior: Portraits of Elegance and Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography. She created the style supplement for Le Monde and has contributed to Vogue and Marie Claire. Emanuele Coccia is an Italian philosopher and associate professor at EHESS in Paris. Olivier Saillard is a French historian specializing in fashion and director of the Azzedine Alaia Foundation.
Reviews
"Most anticipated books of 2022: "This intimate peek into designer Azzedine Alaia's early life and career was edited and assembled by his life partner, Christoph von Weyhe, and close friend Carla Sozzani. The book covers Alaia's beginnings in his native Tunisia, to his 1956 arrival in Paris and breakthrough 1982 New York show-plus everything in between." -W MAGAZINE
"From apprenticeships to encounters with Paris's creative and society crowds, this book pays homage to iconic designer Azzedine Alaia's evolution as one of the most sought-after talents in the world." -SOCIETY TEXAS
"[Alaia's] vision was about timelessness, and the sculptural exploration of material, silhouette, detail and motion. When he rose to fame in 1982, he was already in his mid-forties; he reportedly spent six years perfecting the construction of a honeycomb pattern and he presented his work when it was finished, no sooner. 'I am like fruit,' he said in 2016. 'When I'm ready, I'm ready.' This so-called 'Alaia time' is a recurring theme in Alaia Afore Alaia, a new tome edited by Carla Sozzani and Olivier Saillard to be released this fall." -BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
"Edited by the fashion genius's closest friend, Sozzani, this new volume pays homage to his evolution and presents an unprecedented, never-before-seen view into his early life and career, from his native Tunisia and 1956 arrival in Paris to his breakthrough 1982 New York show." -INDULGE
Book Information
ISBN 9780847871124
Author Laurence Benaim
Format Hardback
Page Count 340
Imprint Rizzoli International Publications
Publisher Rizzoli International Publications
