Alaïa / Kuramata at The Alaïa Foundation

Alaïa/Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

Building the bridge between fashion design and modern furniture, the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa presents “Lightness in Creation.” Capturing the delicate balance and profound synergy between Alaïa’s powerful, elegant haute-couture garments and Shiro Kuramata’s sleek, angular creations, offering a mesmerizing encounter through the intersection of fashion and design.

Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

Azzedine Alaïa, a passionate admirer of Kuramata’s otherworldly furniture designs, began collecting his pieces well before Kuramata’s passing in 1991. At this captivating exposition, you'll encounter dozens of works by both Alaïa and Kuramata, showcasing the dynamic interplay between their delicate, yet robust styles.

Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

Despite working in different mediums, Alaïa and Kuramata’s creations share many striking similarities. Kuramata aimed not just to defy gravity with his designs, but to craft a world where gravity was entirely irrelevant.

Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

With Japanese simplicity in mind, Kuramata designed his floating, fluid pieces with simple materials, such as acrylic, glass, and metal. Not only did he find ways to experiment with matter and space, but also still managed to create functional pieces of furniture.

Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

Azzedine Alaïa had similar goals throughout his career. Shunning visual impurity, he sought to create dresses and garments with elegant silhouettes and ghost-like stitching. Additionally, Alaïa wanted to create garments that celebrate femininity and the timelessness of beauty. He sought for his pieces to become a part of the feminine human body, seamlessly blending the garment with the human soul.

Alaïa / Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

It’s evident that the two artist’s designs both blur the lines between fabric and form. Alaïa’s iconic bandage dress clings to the body, slowly losing form and parachuting into a sumptuous white gown. Similarly, Kuramata’s Oba-Q lamp mimics the folds of sheer white fabric, levitating effortlessly over the ground. Both of these pieces blend artistry with illusion.

Alaïa / Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud

To see both Alaïa’s and Kuramta’s floating worlds in dialogue with one another, visit the Fondation Azzedine Alaia in the Marais. A tranquil, yet enchanting experience to get familiar with two artists awaits you.

To visit the exposition:
18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris