An impossible task left by Azzedine Alaïa, but an easy one simultaneously. As the fashion world mourns the death of one of its icons, MEFeater took a look through his best work.
The fashion industry was plunged into sadness on Saturday last when Azzedine Alaïa‘s death was announced in Paris. He was aged 77. He’s survived by his partner, Christoph von Weyhe, and extended family.
Azzedine has been remembered by so many in the last few days, especially those in the fashion world. He was what the modern day fashion enthusiast would call an ‘old-school’ designer. Dubbed the ‘King of Cling,’ Azzedine did things his own way throughout his entire career. He created couture with his own rules, didn’t conform to schedules, made garments around the woman and not society’s standards, long before ready-to-wear became the centerfold of the brand; his first RTW line being in 1980. Below, the MEFeater team remembers just some of his best work we got the pleasure of seeing on and off the catwalk. Enjoy!
Remembering our favorite Azzedine Alaïa creations
Mr. Alaia's last fashion show in July 17. Picture from Shutterstock
Beverly Peele for Azzedine Alaia-1991-RTW
Michelle Obama at Oslo Nobel Peace prize banquet, December, 2009. Picture: Getty/LISE ASERUD
Christy Turlington in French Elle, May 18, 1992 photographed by Gilles Bensimon
Grace Jones for Azzedine Alaia in 1985
Rihanna's Alaia dress for the Grammys 2013. Instagram @badgalriri
Naomi-Campbell for Azzedine Alaia-Fall-1991-RTW
Alaia creation from '15 in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Credit: Giorgio Onorati/European Pressphoto Agency
Lady Gaga at the Oscars in 2015. Picture by Getty Images
Kourtney and Kim Kardashian with Azzedine Alaia in Paris
Helena Christensen for Alaia SS92. The detailing in this work can be seen for decades. Picture via Pinterest
Penelope Cruz at the 2009 SAG Awards. Picture via Pinterest
Michelle Obama 2009. This style was iconic to the brand, seen on many celebrities like Michelle, Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell. Picture via Pinterest.
AW16 Alaia RTW. Combining his great use of the most recognized fabrics of Azzedine's past work, he brings it to the modern era of design. Picture by Fred Rambaud
Naomi and Beverly in an editorial in 1992. First seen on Alaia's runway for Fall in 92. Picture via Getty
1 / 15
Alaïa will be missed but his inspiration will live on. To paraphrase that famous Clueless quote above, Azzedine Alaïa was a totally important designer.
Have you got a favorite memory of Azzedine or his work? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.
