Azzedine Alaïa, known for pioneering designs and for 'Clueless,' dies at 82

Alaïa was known for his independent spirit and as a pioneer of form-fitting, figure-defining fashion. Basically, he pioneered bodycon.
 By 
Emma Hinchliffe
 on 
Azzedine Alaïa, known for pioneering designs and for 'Clueless,' dies at 82
Azzedine Alaïa, left, with fellow designer Pierre Cardin. Credit: LAURENT BENHAMOU/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock

"This is an Alaïa!"

The image of Cher refusing to lay on the ground when getting robbed at gunpoint in Clueless because of her designer dress is a lasting one.

The designer behind her red dress was equally iconic. Azzedine Alaïa died at 82 on Saturday.

Alaïa was known for his independent spirit and as a pioneer of form-fitting, figure-defining fashion. Basically, he pioneered bodycon.

"He used leather and knits to shape and support the body, transforming it into the best version of itself," the New York Times wrote in his obituary.

News of his death was soon followed by an outpouring of remembrances from celebrities who worked with Alaïa and loved his designs.

Topics Celebrities

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Emma Hinchliffe

Emma Hinchliffe is a business reporter at Mashable. Before joining Mashable, she covered business and metro news at the Houston Chronicle.

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