Azzedine Alaia in the 21st Century

Tunisian-born Azzedine Alaia is one of the most important fashion designers of the last decades. Nicknamed the "King of Cling," Alaia practically invented the stretch mini, Lycra cycling shorts and the bodysuit that became inspiration to high street fashion design. His creations are considered by many to be the sexiest, trendiest, and most utterly original clothes produced by any contemporary designer. His tight dresses embrace the bodies of the world's most seductive and successful women.

Alaia's talent and reputation, spread largely by word of mouth, has won him the adoration of an extraordinary suite of faithful clients, among them Naomi Campbell, Tina Turner, Michelle Obama and Madonna.

From December 11, 2011 to May 6, 2012, the Groninger Museum will present the exhibition entitled Azzedine Alaia in the 21st century. This exhibition displays the most fantastic Alaia fashion creations of the last ten years, and focuses on various materials the designer has consistently used over the past decade: velvet, fur, wool, leather, cotton, animal skins, chiffon and knitwear.

A monograph will be published to accompany the exhibition compiled by curator Mark Wilson.