It’s been years since Azzedine Alaïa has passed on, but his eponymous brand is still alive and well. It’d be a waste to close down one of the most intangible and influential legacies in the fashion industry so it was a delight to see its Fall 2019 collection. This season, the design team touched on the late designer’s legendary focus on sharp and precise tailoring, giving women the signature hourglass and A-line silhouettes that his brand is known for. The black outerwear, some in shimmering leathers, were perhaps the stars of the collection. Their distinct shapes and strong silhouettes were Alaïa with a capital A, and while they looked infinitely familiar, the fact that they’re still relevant and desirable is a testament to the designer’s never-ending influence. Surprisingly—in a good way—the evening-wear was softer and infinitely more feminine. In either pleated blush tones or ruffled tulle, these looks will enamor any woman of any age. But even with the stark juxtaposition of the tailored leather and the soft tulles, the collection, as a whole, still seemed coherent. Such is the genius behind the Alaïa brand!
Photo: Karen Sadli/ Courtesy of Alaïa
