A CREATIVE PROJECT WITH FONDATION AZZEDINE ALAÏA UNVEILED BY STUDENTS ATTENDING THE FASHION DESIGN MASTER AT ISTITUTO MARANGONI PARIS

Perpetrating the skills and the legacy of great creators, Istituto Marangoni Paris and the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa briefed the Fashion Design Master students on a special and creative project.

The enigmatic Azzedine Alaïa was one of the few designers willing to forego conventional fashion schedules and produce collections at his own pace. This is why in 2007 he decided to create the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa to protect his work and collection. Recognized as an establishment of public utility by decree on February 28, 2020, the Foundation's missions are to preserve and promote the work of Azzedine Alaïa and the art, fashion and design he collected throughout his life, organize exhibitions and support cultural and educational activities. 

As an extension of Azzedine Alaïa’s wishes, the Fondation asked the students to create a finished prototype in calico of one of the iconic Alaïa garments that they will present from the archives. As well as to design a capsule collection inspired by the couturier that represents the brand's DNA.

In order to answer in a fully creative form, they will be asked to research the DNA and design language of Azzedine Alaïa in depth and to see how they will create a capsule collection inspired by the couturier, without losing his DNA. From in depth research and their own inspiration they will create a research book that shows their design process for a capsule collection of 8 outfits, produce a collection portfolio and make a sample garment from the archive in calico/white toiling fabric – as shared by the Fondation Alaïa.

And because having great ideas isn’t all, this will be accompanied by a critical commentary relating to their work in progress through the term and the outcomes, with a personal action plan to support their ongoing progress through postgraduate level. When designing the collection, they will be asked to investigate the brand from global, socio-economic, ethical and sustainability perspectives and they must design in a conscious way for an identified market segment.

In the end, 10 prototypes will be selected by the jury of Fondation Azzedine Alaïa.