When Tunisian-born designer, Azzedine Alaïa arrived in Paris in 1956 at the age of 21, he was already an experienced and accomplished seamster, having apprenticed for an acclaimed dressmaker in Tunis. He was a capable dressmaker who was accustomed to meeting the needs of the women of high society. He was often sought out by wealthy Tunisians and visiting French tourists alike. In Paris he first interned with Christian Dior before moving to Guy Laroche shortly thereafter. In 1964 he began to produce couture to his established client base under his own label, finally opening his own atelier in 1979, by which stage he had become the doyen of Parisian society. A student of female form, his designs would accentuate and flatter, elegant and understated and always with a nod to his Tunisian heritage and the traditional attire of his homeland. Today, Alaïa is a brand within the Richemont luxury brands stable and continues to show annual couture collections alongside an extensive women’s ready-to-wear range. Alaïa also produces beautiful ladies’ shoes, accessories, bags & handbags and occasional jewellery pieces.
Tag Archives: RTW
MAX MARA
Few items of apparel are as iconic as Max Mara’s camel coat, a cashmere wrap coat that is, arguably, one of the most in-demand pieces of womenswear ever produced. It has been the mainstay of the Max Mara house, founded in 1951 as a Ready-to-Wear high fashion designer. Initially focussed on the Italian marker, the Reggio Emilia outfitters offer a full range of fashions, accessories, fragrances and jewellery to an international customer base. The label has also ventured into couture and has an acclaimed bridalwear range.
E.C. SNAITH & SON: MILITARY OUTFITTERS OF HIGH REGARD
E.C. Snaith & Son Ltd is a British military outfitters and uniform suppliers established in 1965. They are a respected military outfitters and regimental insignia supplier. Snaith’s provide a wide range of uniforms, accoutrements, accessories, and medals for the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth forces, and other military organizations around the world, as well as other services including police forces. The firm is a part of the military tailoring house, Firmin House / Kashket & Partners.
CORNELIANI: ARCHTYPAL ITALIAN TAILORED STYLES FROM A RENOWNED FASHION HOUSE
Corneliani is an Italian luxury menswear brand known for its impeccable tailoring, sophisticated designs, and commitment to timeless elegance. Founded in 1930 by Carlalberto and Claudio Corneliani in Mantua, Italy, the brand has established itself as a leader in the world of high-end men’s fashion offering a broad range of quality knitwear, fashions and tailored pieces which may be customised through their made-to-measure service.
LUXURY SHIRT & SHIRTMAKER BRANDS
Many of the world’s most iconic fashion and tailoring brands began as by making shirts. Most of these houses still continue that tradition today, offering bespoke, made-to-measure or ready-to-wear shirts to their discerning clientele. Indeed, a well-fitted shirt is often the difference between being well-dressed and being poorly dressed. The subtle detailing and nuancing of a well-made shirt are often signifiers of one’s status and one’s mindset.
CONNOLLY: AN ICONIC MAKER OF LEATHER GOODS
Connolly is a British luxury leather brand founded in 1878. The brand is known for its high-quality leather goods, which are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aviation, marine, furniture and the House’s very own line of fashion and accessories. Connolly leather is sourced from the finest hides from around the world and is tanned and finished using traditional methods. The brand’s leather is known for its durability, softness, and beauty.
ISSEY MIYAKE: A VISIONARY JAPANESE FASHION HOUSE
Issey Miyake is a high-end Japanese fashion brand, named for the late designer who founded the house in 1970. The designer behind the eponymous label was a known for his innovative and technology-driven clothing designs, a brief which continues to influence the label’s collections today. Miyake was born in Hiroshima in 1938 and lived through the atomic bombing of the city as a child. This experience had a profound impact on him and his work, and he often spoke about the importance of peace and harmony in design and in culture.
CAROLINA HERRERA: THE DARLING OF NEW YORK FASHION
Carolina Herrera is a Venezuelan-American fashion designer known for her elegant and sophisticated designs. She is also known for dressing some of the world’s most famous women, including Jacqueline Onassis, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1939. She began her career in fashion as a publicist for Vogue magazine. In 1981, she launched her own fashion line, which quickly became known for its classic and timeless designs.
COPPLEY: THE FAMILY-OWNED CANADIAN TAILORING HOUSE
Coppley is a Canadian men’s tailors and clothing company that has been in business since 1883. They are known for their high-quality tailored suits, sport coats, and trousers. Coppley offers a variety of services, including made-to-measure, custom-made, and in-stock clothing. They also offer a wide selection of fabrics to choose from, including the finest Italian and English wools.
ASPESI: THE LUXURY DOWN JACKET SPECIALISTS
Aspesi is an Italian minimalist, sophisticated, and timeless fashion brand founded in 1969 by Alberto Aspesi as a shirt manufacturer. In a time when the benchmark in the fashion industry were the Parisian haute couture houses, the Italian prêt-à-porter industry started focusing on materials, wearable elegance, and offering new horizons to explore. The brand evolved accordingly, producing pieces that were not only beautiful but also wearable and functional.
FITZGABRIELS 