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Alaïa Afore Alaïa

Edited by Carla Sozzani and Olivier Saillard, Text by Laurence Benaïm, Foreword by Carla Sozzani

Unveiling Azzedine Alaïa’s story before his milestone 1982 show, this book offers a never-before-seen look into one of fashion’s most enigmatic icons.

Azzedine Alaïa (1935–2017) was regarded as a contemporary fashion genius. Edited by his closest friend, Carla Sozzani, this new volume presents an unprecedented view into Alaïa’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 Alaïa’s evolution. Chronological chapters depict a designer devoted to his work while enjoying friendships with such individuals as Arletty, Louise de Vilmorin, César, Andrée Putman, and Thierry Mugler. Quotes by Alaïa accompany gorgeous photographs of iconic dresses and lesser-known designs, providing captivating stories behind the inspirations for his creations. Interviews share intimate anecdotes from Serge Lutens, Edgar Morin, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Marie Rucki, and more. Accompanying an exhibition at the Azzedine Alaïa 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 Alaïa Foundation and is its president. Laurence Benaïm 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 Alaïa Foundation.

Publish Date: October 18, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Category: Design - Fashion & Accessories
Publisher: Rizzoli
Trim Size: 9-1/4 x 11-2/5
Pages: 416
US Price: $95.00
CDN Price: $130.00
ISBN: 978-0-8478-7112-4

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Reviews

"Most anticipated books of 2022: "This intimate peek into designer Azzedine Alaïa’s early life and career was edited and assembled by his life partner, Christoph von Weyhe, and close friend Carla Sozzani. The book covers Alaïa’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 Alaïa's evolution as one of the most sought-after talents in the world." —SOCIETY TEXAS

"[Alaïa'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 'Alaïa time' is a recurring theme in Alaïa Afore Alaïa, 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

Author Bookshelf: Carla Sozzani

Author Bookshelf: Olivier Saillard

Author Bookshelf: Laurence Benaïm