Dress

Azzedine Alaïa

fall/winter 1988–89 · wool · Costume Institute

Azzedine Alaïa focuses on the challenges inherent in the transformation of two-dimensional textiles into sculptural three-dimensional garments. His sharp, engineered tailoring results in armor-like silhouettes typical of the power dressing of the 1980s, yet his use of body-clinging and tactile fabrics betray a more sensual approach to the body. This corseted, woolen little black dress with a double-breasted closure and wide lapels fuses masculine and feminine dress codes into a garment characteristic of Alaïa's commanding signature.

Artist

Azzedine Alaïa

Date

fall/winter 1988–89

Medium

wool

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Various Donors, by exchange, 2020