Sunday, November 18 marked the one-year anniversary of Azzedine Alaïa‘s death. The iconic Tunisian couturier passed away in Paris at the age of 82 in 2017, leaving behind him a five-decade-strong heritage of inimitable style. During his illustrious career, the late designer forged long-standing relationships with some of the world’s biggest stars from the fashion and entertainment industries, including his honorary daughter Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, and Carla Bruni Sarkozy, among others. His legacy won’t soon be forgotten, and many celebrities, models, and fashion insiders took to social media to share heartfelt tributes to the designer on the anniversary of his passing.
Campbell shared a photo of herself embracing the iconic couturier, whom she affectionately refers to as “papa”. “Dear Papa, it seems like yesterday, to think one year went so quickly is mind blowing. There is not one day that goes by that I do not think of you! I feel your presence strongly! And you will always be a part of me. I love you always and forever! Until we meet on the other side. May you rest in peace, Papa,” the supermodel captioned the image.
The heartfelt message came just two days after the supermodel shed a tear for the designer during a conversation with Vogue Arabia editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut. On stage to launch Vogue Loves Fashion Avenue, a 10-day calendar of events celebrating The Dubai Mall’s 10-year anniversary, Campbell teared up when the topic of Alaïa was broached. “Yes, this is my papa that died one year ago on Sunday and this is the man that raised me when I was 15 years old and up until last year,” she said, looking up at a picture of the late couturier. Voice breaking, she continued, “I have so much respect for him. For me, he was the most unique designer in the world. He was very non-judgmental. He was a perfectionist and he did his own shows on his own time.”
On Sunday, Cindy Crawford shared a photo that Campbell had sent her. “Remembering this sweet man today!” she wrote alongside a picture of herself warmly embracing the designer during one of his elaborate dinner gatherings in his home kitchen. “You were an artist in every sense of the word, and the world misses you and your light! Kisses always. Thanks @naomi for sending me this photo from my last dinner with Azzedine!”
Also posting a heartfelt message of her own was Carla Bruni Sarkozy. The Italian singer and supermodel uploaded a photo of herself, the designer, Farida Khelfa, and Louis Vuitton‘s Nicholas Ghesquiere, captioning it: “Dear Azzedine I cannot believe it’s been a year since you left us” alongside a rose emoji and the hashtag #foreverinourhearts.
Khelfa herself uploaded a series of tribute videos by fashion insiders on her Instagram page. Among those featured in the clips was Imaan Hammam. “I just want to say Azzedine Alaïa for me is a legend,” said the Egyptian-Moroccan model while getting her lengths hair-sprayed on set. “Sadly I haven’t had the chance to meet him, but he has a big place in my heart.”
Maria Carla Boscono also took part in Khelfa’s tribute videos. “Today is a sad day, but I am happy because we are all gathering together to say goodbye and I’ll see you soon. Azzedine, I’ve known him for many years, and of course, as everybody knows, he was an incredible genius. But most important to know, he was one of the most gentle and special human beings I’ve ever met in my entire life,” she shared. Other celebrities and fashion insiders to star in Khelfa’s video series include Veronica Webb, Yasmin Le Bon, and Eva Herzigova.
Supermodel and actress Stephanie Seymour also took to the photo-sharing platform to remember the couturier. “Missing him beyond,” she wrote.
Rossy de Palma, who was close friends with the designer for more than 30 years, shared a black-and-white editorial photo of herself and Blanca Li with Alaïa.
American model Dilone shared a photo of herself with Alaïa too.
Tunisian model Azza Slimene uploaded a photo of the couturier, writing ” It’s already one year now, we miss you so much.”
Doutzen Kroes was also “remembering” the designer.
Now Read: Naomi Campbell Cries as She Speaks of “Papa” Azzedine Alaïa in Dubai