Fabled fashion house Alaia, launched by Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaia, is set to make its return to the runway, exactly four years after its last show.
Now headed by Belgian designer Pieter Mulier, who made his name working alongside Raf Simons at Jil Sander, Dior and Calvin Klein, the label will make its return to the Paris runway on July 4.
Happening in front of a live audience, it marks the start of the return of physical fashion shows, which were brought to a worldwide halt in February 2020 at the start of the pandemic.
The Alaia presentation will also take place the day before the start of Paris Couture Week, one of the most significant weeks in the fashion calendar, during which the world's press and influential figures descend on the French capital, guaranteeing maximum exposure for the label's comeback.
It will also be Mulier's debut for the label since taking over in February, with the designer expected to present a mix of couture and ready-to-wear. It's an unwritten rule in fashion that these two very different spheres are never combined, but Mulier's merry disregard for conformity fits perfectly with his predecessor Azzedine Alaia's rebellious streak. This was best seen in his famous refusal to follow the runway calendar, instead simply showing his collections whenever he felt they were ready.
Most importantly, the date marks exactly four years since the last fashion show by both the brand and the founder in 2017. The designer died in November 2017, aged 77. In a statement announcing the show, the brand explained that the date thus carried special meaning.
The show will offer the first new designs to emerge from the brand since Alaia's death. Until now, the label has instead been concentrating on reissuing archival pieces.
The return of Alaia kicks off what promises to be a momentous Couture Week, in which two other major names will return.
Firstly, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture will return under guest designer Chitose Abe (of Sacai fame), in a series that hands the reins to different creatives. Gaultier himself retired from the runway in January 2020.
Secondly, there is the welcome return of Balenciaga, which will present its first couture collection since 1968, the year founder Cristobal Balenciaga closed all of his ateliers. The house is now under the direction of Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, who has turned its ready-to-wear division into a fashion must-have.
While all three houses remain tight-lipped about what audiences can expect, it's safe to say the return of the storied trio seems a fitting way to welcome fashion back with a bang after the pandemic-induced pause.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
Manchester City transfers:
OUTS
Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas (all released)
INS
Ederson (Benfica) £34.7m, Bernardo Silva (Monaco) £43m
ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, Fabian Delph, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho
ON THEIR WAY IN?
Dani Alves (Juventus), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
More on animal trafficking
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
