Photo Credits: Azzedine Alaïa, Paris 1982 ph. Alice Springs © Helmut Newton Foundation – Thierry Mugler, Monte Carlo 1984 Alice Springs © Helmut Newton Foundation.
The Fondation Azzedine Alaïa presents Azzedine Alaïa, Thierry Mugler: 1980-1990 Two Decades of Artistic Affinities, an exhibition curated by Olivier Saillard. This showcase explores the creative dialogue between two visionary designers whose work defined the bold aesthetics of the 1980s.
Alaïa, known for his sculptural precision and mastery of tailoring, met Mugler in 1979. Their friendship evolved into a professional collaboration, beginning with Alaïa crafting tuxedos for Mugler’s Autumn-Winter 1979-80 collection. This partnership was instrumental in shaping Alaïa’s career, with Mugler even organising his first major New York showcase in 1982.
Both designers embraced a powerful, structured silhouette—broad shoulders, nipped waists, and sculpted hips—drawing inspiration from Hollywood’s golden age and the couture of the 1930s and 1950s. While Mugler was known for his theatrical runway spectacles, Alaïa focused on technical craftsmanship, refining garments with an obsessive attention to detail.
This exhibition celebrates their shared artistic language, showcasing iconic pieces that capture the era’s glamour and innovation. A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts, it offers an intimate look at two masters whose influence endures today.
