Dress
Azzedine Alaïa is a designer enamored of the challenges inherent in the transformation of the two-dimensional textile into the sculptural three-dimensional garment. In his atelier, it is not uncommon for the creation of a pattern, or the evolution of a textile, to gestate for months or even years. One of the beauties of his work is the ability to observe the steadily honing advancement and refinement of concepts and techniques in each collection. No other contemporary designer is as focused on the study and transcendence of the great masters of the past.
This short hooded sheath is from a series of knitted dresses and gowns Alaïa produced in the1980s that are among his most famous early works. Although this rayon knit, with its elastic nature, is ideal for body-conforming styles, Alaïa, by introducing his carefully engineered flat seams, further controls its stretch to establish a glove-like fit and support.
This short hooded sheath is from a series of knitted dresses and gowns Alaïa produced in the1980s that are among his most famous early works. Although this rayon knit, with its elastic nature, is ideal for body-conforming styles, Alaïa, by introducing his carefully engineered flat seams, further controls its stretch to establish a glove-like fit and support.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dress
- Designer: Azzedine Alaïa (French (born Tunisia), Tunis 1935–2017 Paris)
- Date: fall/winter 1986–87
- Culture: French
- Medium: synthetic
- Credit Line: Millia Davenport and Zipporah Fleisher Fund, 2007
- Object Number: 2007.82
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.