Azzedine Alaïa, couturier collectionneur: a new fashion exhibition at the Palais Galliera

Azzedine Alaïa, the fashion genius who passed away in 2017, is about to live again through a new exhibition revealing his unique heritage collection, painstakingly built up over time. Ten years after his legendary retrospective at the Palais Galliera, the couturier is once again the star of the fashion museum from September 27, 2023 to January 21, 2024.

Azzedine Alaïa's reputation is well established... An undisputed master of the cut, he reached the pinnacle of his art by nurturing a deep admiration for the great couturiers of the past and developing his experience with his loyal customers.

The new exhibition at the Palais Galliera reveals another facet ofAlaïa 's personality: that of a collector. His passion for thehistory of Haute Couture was ignited by the closure of the Maison Balenciaga in 1968. Azzedine collected haute couture creations by the Spanish label, whose fascinating study began his exploration of fashion's rich heritage.

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Year after year, Alaïa built up an exceptional collection of over 20,000 pieces, a treasure trove representing the art and genius of his predecessors. From the birth of Haute Couture in the late 19th century to the most acclaimed contemporary designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garçons, Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler and Yohji Yamamoto, his collection reflects the evolution of fashion through the ages. And of course Worth, Jeanne Lanvin, Jean Patou, Madame Grès, Paul Poiret, Gabrielle Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior are also among the designers celebrated in his collection.

The exhibition features some 140 exceptional pieces from Azzedine Alaïa's collection, never before revealed to the general public in France or abroad. To conclude the visit, the Salle Matisse at MAM, opposite the Palais Galliera, hosts three stage costumes designed by Henri Matisse for the Ballets Russes in 1919, highlighting the designer's fusion of fashion and art.

A rare invitation to plunge into the captivating world of Azzedine Alaïa, this fashion visionary whose talent and extraordinary collection continue to fascinate and inspire the world of Haute Couture.