In an industry like fashion that is filled with so much clutter and pompous noise, sometimes it takes death to single out those who have made impactful influence and strides. Personal tributes allow people to take us back in time before we had access to so much content and material to allow us to appreciate the evolution of what we enjoy today without much thought.
This week, as we learned of Azzedine Alaia’s death – the Paris-based Tunisian designer who was also referred to as the ‘King of Cling’ – I reflected briefly on an orange, form-fitting bandage dress I purchased years ago from online store House of CB.
Known for his snug, body-enhancing aesthetic, Alaia introduced his first ready-to-wear collection in 1980, just eight years before I was born. Subtle when it came to publicity, he was the complete opposite to what is prevalent among today’s designers, who are always clamouring for attention and praise. He rebelled against the industry’s demanding notion of exhausting designers to turn out collections numerous times a year and often, it was the industry and by extension the consumer who were forced into respecting the process of craft. This is perhaps one of the reasons he was a favourite among the likes of Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Greta Garbo and Rihanna. The clothes indeed stood the test of time, wear and beauty. He gave himself time to create the timeless.