Azzedine Alaïa, Couturier and Collector at Palais Galliera.
Collecting has an obsessive aspect in itself. People can collect everything. The act of collecting extends to a wide range of items: stamps, coins, rare books, vintage toys, artwork, and even digital assets in the age of technology. Some collections became our reference point. Like the Wunderkammers in 16th century Europe. Wunderskammer is either cabinets or rooms dedicated to the collections. The exhibition Azzedine Alaïa, Couturier and Collector focuses Alaïa’s own collection of Haute Couture garments.
Born in 1935, Tunisia, Azzedine Alaïa worked for important fashion figures such as; Christian Dior, Guy Laroche and Thierry Mugler as tailleur. He opened his first atelier in the late 1970’s in Paris. He is one of the most influencial fashion designers in the world. Azzedine Alaïa is known for his perfectly structured form fitted dresses. His commitment to excellence in construction and materials set him apart in the fashion world.
With the new exhibition opened at Palais Galliera, we see that Alaïa is an exceptional archivist and he has collected over 20.000 garments. Alaïa started his collection in 1968 with pieces from Cristóbal Balenciaga, when Balenciaga closed his fashion house. His collection ranges from early examples of haute couture from late 19th century, to contemporary haute ccouture garments. Alaïa’s collection includes prominent couturiers like Worth, Jeanne Lanvin, Jean Patou, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Madame Grès, Paul Poiret, Gabrielle Chanel, Made- leine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior. Contemporary creation is represented by pieces by Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garçons, Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler and Yohji Yamamoto…
Cristobal Balenciaga, cocktail dress, Spring-Summer 1960 © Patricia Schwoerer / rgmparis
Azzedine Alaïa’s collection is considered to be the world’s largest personal collection of clothing. Azzedine Alaïa, Couturier and Collector exhibition showcases 140 pieces from Alaïa’s never been seen personal collection. Alaïa explains his reasons for collecting: “For many years now, I’ve been buying and receiving dresses, coats and jackets that reflect the glorious history of fashion. It has become part of my corporate attitude to preserve them, a mark of solidarity with those who, before me, knew the pleasures and demands of the scissor. It is my personal tribute to all the crafts and all the ideas that these garments embody.” Alaïa shows us his passion and dedication for collecting these historical fashion garments. By creating his Wunderkammer, he pays his respect for the craftsmanship and creativity of the fashion industry and shows his deep connection to the art and history of fashion.The exhibition Azzedine Alaïa, Couturier and Collector can be visited until January 21, 2024 at Palais Galliera, Paris.
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