Saturday, October 27, 2007

Farida Khelfa & Azzedine Alaïa

Goude was also responsible for introducing Farida to the Tunisian born-Paris based designer Azzedine Alaïa. It is often remarked that Alaïa is a perfectionist, presenting his collections when he sees fit, often outside of the regular show schedule. The designer is also known for forming long standing relationships with his models, as well as treating them like family, often giving them a meal and a place to sleep during the Paris collections. He treated Farida no differently. She became his muse and assisted at many of his fittings. In 1990 Alaïa presented what would be one of his last runway shows at his studio in Paris’ Marais quarter. Farida more than likely had a hand in this collection as she was still working with the designer at the time.

Clockwise top center: In May of 1995 Alaïa created a Middle Eastern inspired hooded cloak as a maternity dress for Farida, his close friend and muse, photographed at the Musee National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Oceanie, Paris. In an ironic twist the building, originally a homage to the French colonies, now houses France’s new Museum of Immigration. Alaïa and the model Veronica Webb backstage at his 1990 runway show. Model Yasmin Le Bon in a dress composed of tiny metallic discs from the 1990 collection; Alaïa is a favorite of the Supermodels as well as celebrities, seen here coming down the runway at his 1990 show are models Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon and Veronica Webb; Alaïa and Farida, cut-up photograph and adhesive tape, by Jean Paul Goude, Paris 1984; Farida "cut up" by Jean Paul Goude; Part of a design project for the Alaïa retrospective fashion show at the Palladium in New York, 1984; Alaia with André Leon Talley, Vogue’s editor at large; The model Naomi Campbell in a bodysuit from Alaïa 1990 collection, embroidered with Arabic calligraphy.
© THE POLYGLOT (all rights reserved) CHICAGO-PARIS

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