An Immersive Experience at the Alaïa Fondation

    It’s time to experience yet again another magnificent edition of fashion museums found in the beautiful city of Paris. The ALAÏA Azzedine Foundation isn’t just any ordinary gallery that showcases an artists pieces, but rather one that takes fashion representation to another level. In fact, this gallery will take your breath away!

@lesvisitesdemaud Fondation Alaïa

So who is Azzedine Alaïa? He was a couturier and shoe designer from Tunisia. Born in Tunis on the 26th of February 1935 and unfortunately passing away in Paris in November of 2017, he was recognized as one of the best designers. His love for fashion and design was in fact inspired by his twin sister. He began his work in Paris with yet another formidable designer, Christian Dior, but had to leave just a week after due to the Algerian War but this did not stop his drive to be one of the greatest fashion designers. In fact, he then went on to work with the likes of Thierry Mugler and Guy Laroche.
    

@lesvisitesdemaud Fondation Alaïa

Alaïa’s pieces were well-known for the tight-fitting style in order to enhance the curves and reveal the body of whoever wore his pieces. His range was seen across the boards. He preferred more neutral colors and broader shoulders but over the years he began incorporating corsets and bust wiring.

@lesvisitesdemaud Fondation Alaïa

My favorite piece is one from 1985 which is a long white dress. This dress also became the inspiration of Elle MacPherson’s wedding dress. Alaïa uses simplicity and elegance together to create a phenomenal piece.
    Though Alaïa has passed on, he has been wildly recognized by many other celebrities as well as popular American Films. In fact, Clueless is an all time American teen favorite and in one scene the character of Cher exclaims “This is an Alaïa,” in reference to an Alaïa piece she was wearing.

@lesvisitesdemaud Fondation Alaïa

The ALAÏA Azzedine Foundation itself is spectacular. Honestly, it is nothing compared to what I expected but it is everything and more. Most fashion museums that I have been to tend to have the pieces centered or spread all across the room with little placards of information. But the ALAIA Foundation has a twist to it. When you walk into the room, you are met with the information about all the pieces and the designer. And behind these walls of information, there are openings of the designs to see the rooms that hold the different pieces. This is not only clever, but a new and unexpected way of presenting fashion! So remember, whenever you are in the 4th arrondissement of Paris called Le Marais, be sure to check out ALAÏA Azzedine Foundation.

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Fondation Alaïa
18, rue de la Verrerie
75004 Paris.

@lesvisitesdemaud Fondation Alaïa