Alaïa

A virtuoso couturier and discerning collector, Azzedine Alai¨a (Tunis, 1935–Paris, 2017) closely studied the techniques of fashion’s great masters, driven by a constant pursuit of knowledge and perfection. His collections reflected this passion, combining cutting, patternmaking, and creativity.
He particularly admired couturiers and designers whose architectural designs came vividly to life. From the legacy of Madeleine Vionnet and Cristo´bal Balenciaga to Madame Gre`s, Christian Dior, Comme des Garc¸ons, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Thierry Mugler, Alai¨a shaped his own history of fashion through the sovereignty of lines and the mastery of cutting. He also collected creations by lesser-known or forgotten names, drawn to their skilled application of techniques, whether simple or highly complex.

With contributions by Olivier Saillard, Anne Graire, Romy Cockx and Erdal Pinarci, The Eye of the Collector explores Alai¨a’s collecting practice and creative process, bringing together his work with designs by the masters who inspired and influenced his vision of couture.