The Unflinching Identity of Alaia

by Moon Wilson

Azzedine Alaïa’s Alaia is never unsure of its identity. The posthumous designers maison has been producing work that is both true to his original vision and the expanded narrative it provides. From tight to loose silhouettes the form and function are fully embraced in this collection. A sense of whimsy in the form of flowy dresses, come hither neckline are built on top of that architecture of form and function. Alaia embraces the soft corners of femininity but also provides the basis for a bit of everything from traditionalism to avant-garde. The end result is a collection that may not suit one singular narrative but each look is built with one self sustaining storyline.