Dear Shaded Viewers,
Museo del Tessuto Foundation in partnership with the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in Paris presents “Alaïa and Balenciaga. Sculptors of Shape,” a landmark exhibition celebrating two titans of French haute couture, making its Italian debut this fall.
This exhibition is a dialogue between two masters whose work redefined the architecture of fashion. The project traces its origins to the vision of Hubert de Givenchy, who, shortly before his death, envisioned a tribute that would unite the legacies of Cristóbal Balenciaga and Azzedine Alaïa—two designers who, though never meeting in person, shared an unrelenting pursuit of perfection in form and technique. The exhibition, curated by Olivier Saillard, first captivated Parisian audiences at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in 2020, and now, for the first time, it crosses borders to Prato, Italy.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a nucleus of fifty iconic dresses from the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation’s archive, each piece a testament to the sculptural genius of its creator. These are complemented by original documents and specially commissioned videos from the Balenciaga Archives, offering visitors an immersive journey through the creative processes of both designers. The staging invites viewers to witness the unexpected convergences and subtle divergences between Balenciaga’s rigorous, enigmatic silhouettes and Alaïa’s sensual, body-conscious designs—both architects of timeless elegance.
This show marks a new chapter for the Museo del Tessuto, which has long championed the study and appreciation of fashion’s most influential figures. While previous exhibitions have spotlighted Italian and British innovators—Gianfranco Ferrè, Walter Albini, Ossie Clark, and Celia Birtwell—this is the Museum’s first foray into French haute couture, underscoring its commitment to a truly international narrative of fashion history.
The realization of this ambitious project would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the Municipality of Prato, Cassa di Risparmio di Prato Foundation, Saperi, Estra, the Directorate General for Education, Research and Cultural Institutes of the Ministry of Culture, and the Tuscany Region. Special gratitude is extended to Pitti Immagine, whose platform continues to foster global dialogue in fashion. The Museo del Tessuto also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of leading textile companies—Arché, Balli il Lanificio, Marini Industrie, Gruppo Colle, Lyria, Faliero Sarti, and the Museo del Tessuto Textile Lovers—whose dedication to excellence mirrors the spirit of the exhibition itself.
This exhibition is more than a celebration of two designers—it is a tribute to the enduring power of creativity, craftsmanship, and the shared language of beauty that transcends borders and generations.
Later,
Diane
