Filed under: Alaia
Yes. Yes it is.
I’ve never known that much about Azzedine Alaia (forgive the lack of an accented “i,” as I don’t know how to insert one properly). I did know that he has steered clear of runway shows in recent years (since ’03…) and I also did know that people are ob-freaking-sessed with him, and are willing to shell out thousands upon thousands of dollars just for seeing sketches of the clothes that are to come.
But enough with any preconceptions regarding Mr. Alaia – I’m treating this review as though it was my first time seeing his work. And I have to say, without reluctance, that I’m right there cheering with the rest of the fashion flock, and not “just because” of the name. This 25-look couture collection was a spectacular show in subverted genius sensibility – coherent, stunning, awkward, gorgeous and different yet somehow wildly familiar (like, the coats – volume in the sleeves, but in a way Balenciaga could never achieve…) I’ve not looked at a collection so many times over as this. I truly liked everything – the simple, even mundane color palette, the croc-stamp effect (which is incredible in it’s ugliness), the tiered dresses, the interesting necklines, the marabou. Cher (of Clueless) would look great in one of these dresses in 1994, and Isabel would look great in that same dress now. If I was a rich woman, I’d buy all of this.
Also, loving (as in LOVING) Azzedine’s girlfight with Mizz Wintour. I believe Anna will be in fashion textbooks for a long time to come (which the former argued would not be true), but I do not believe she is a visionary/fashion goddess/even that tasteful. The world is ending in 2012 anyway, why not throw a few rocks at each other’s glass houses, eh?
This is a better version of the automobile inspired Celine collection (was that FW11-12?) Anyone else see it? Also the white, high bandage collar is perfection in what to wear under a coat.
So f*cking good. Flamenco motor chick goes for a walk in Paris, and doesn’t give a f*ck who you are or what you think.
I am crushing on a polo player right now, in other news, and Balmain Men’s S/S2012 wasn’t bad. That’s coming up next.
-Elliot
