Tributes To Tunisian Fashion Designer Azzedine Alaïa

The fashion world mourns the passing of Alaïa

Posted on

19 November 2017

Image Credit: Getty Images

Tunisian fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa passed away in Paris on 18th November, aged 77.

Known as the ‘King of Cling,’ Alaïa’s form-flattering gowns were worn by celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Greta Garbo and Michelle Obama, as today the fashion world is in mourning for this iconic middle eastern couture designer.

Born in Tunisia, Azzedine Alaïa began his career by studying as a sculptor; he thus incorporated architectural design into his clothes which were made to enhance the human form. Alaïa moved to France in 1957 and began his fashion career with Christian Dior, followed by Guy Laroche and Thierry Mugler. In the late 1970s Azzedine Alaïa launched his own collection as an independent couturier. His fame came with his first ready-to-wear collection, as Alaïa began to redefine modern haute couture.

Image Credit: Vogue Arabia

After retiring from fashion shows for nearly six years, Alaïa returned to the runway to present his Autumn Winter 2017/2018 collection at Haute Couture Fashion Week in July. The show was opened and closed by Naomi Campbell, who has previously described Alaïa as a father figure.

After the sad news of his death, Alaïa’s loyal following of celebrities and fashion designers have payed their respects through social media. With Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, Carla Bruni, Donatella Versace, Kim Kardashian, Madonna and more, all making a tribute to Alaïa.

Lady Gaga wrote that “[she’ll] mourn forever the loss of my friend. A true genius in not only fashion but in his heart” and Bella Hadid captioned her Instagram post “I have always looked up to you as a leader of empowerment, poise and grace.”

Azzedine Alaïa will always be remembered as one of the greatest fashion designers of the Middle East.

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 18, 2017 at 11:04am PST

A sad day. Rest in peace #azzedinealaia ...You were a true master and one of my biggest inspirations x VB pic.twitter.com/ZIFMRtHHCH

— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) November 18, 2017

Ciao Azzedine. Allegra and I will miss you forever!

A post shared by Donatella Versace (@donatella_versace) on Nov 18, 2017 at 5:24am PST

A post shared by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on Nov 18, 2017 at 5:28pm PST

#alaia

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Nov 18, 2017 at 2:25pm PST

Bonjour tristesse arrivederci @azzedinealaiaofficial #master #sadday

A post shared by Carla Bruni (@carlabruniofficial) on Nov 18, 2017 at 4:33am PST