Azzedine Alaïa, the revered Tunisian-born designer, began his journey in Paris in 1956 and rose to become a master of couture celebrated for his sculptural designs and meticulous craftsmanship. His deep respect for fashion history sparked in 1968 when he was invited to preserve Cristóbal Balenciaga's creations after the closure of the Spanish couturier’s house. This moment ignited Alaïa’s lifelong passion as a collector and guardian of fashion’s legacy.