Alaïa Afore Alaïa

Alaïa Afore Alaïa

Unveiling the history of Azzedine Alaïa before his milestone 1982 show, this book explores the growth of one of fashion’s most enigmatic icons

Texts by Laurence Benaïm, Olivier Saillard, Carla Sozzani, and Christoph von Weyhe

Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. 300 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10010 www.rizzoliusa.com

ISBN: 978-0-8478-7112-4 US: $85.00 CAN: $115.00

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“LEILA ÉTAIT TRÈS ÉMANCIPÉE ” .

LEILA MENCHARI, RUE DE BELLECHASSE, PH.JEAN-PIERRE RONZEL, PARIS 1967 À GAUCHE : LEILA MENCHARI ET AZZEDINE ALAÏA, RUE DE BELLECHASSE, PH.JEAN-PIERRE RONZEL, PARIS 1967

TEXTS BY LAURENCE BENAÏM, OLIVIER SAILLARD, CARLA SOZZANI, CHRISTOPH VON WEYHE, AND EMANUELE COCCIA

Unveiling Azzedine Alaïa’s story before his milestone 1982 show, this book offers a neverbefore-seen look into one of fashion’s most enigmatic icons.

Azzedine Alaïa (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 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, Orson Welles, Claudette Colbert, Jean Cocteau, Louise de Vilmorin, and André Malraux. Quotes by Alaïa 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 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.

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. Olivier Saillard is a French historian specializing in fashion and is the director of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. Carla Sozzani cofounded the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation and is its president. Christoph von Weyhe was Azzedine Alaïa’s lifetime partner. He cofounded the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation and is its honorary president. Philosopher Emanuele Coccia is associate professor at EHESS in Paris.

FASHION

340 pages, 9N x 11K” 200 color and b/w photographs HC: 978-0-8478-7112-4 $95.00 Can: $130.00 UK: £68.00 February 15, 2022 Rights: World RIZZOLI