Supporting talent

To support the next generation of fashion talent, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation is pursuing its mission of education and backing in collaboration with Orveda and under the patronage of  Nicolas Vu, CEO & Co-Founder of Orveda. 

This meaningful and heartfelt partnership is inspired by the friendship and mutual respect between Azzedine Alaïa and Sue Nabi, Co-Founder of Orveda. This project is the result of a close long term relationship which began in the 1990s, and which will now provide an opportunity for future generations to express their creativity.

Twice a year, a jury will choose two talents based on their atypical and aspirational profiles, who will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest projects and missions of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation and have privileged access to the archives. They will also benefit from the support of a reference tutor in collaboration with the Parsons School in Paris. The winner will be asked to create a mini-collection, inspired by the knowledge of Azzedine Alaïa's immense heritage.

The 2023’s first winner is Luke Radloff, a representative of the new generation in Africa. He was born and raised in South Africa  where he lives and works. After training as a fashion designer and working in the local industry, he launched his brand, UNI FORM By Luke Radloff in 2019.By forming a community of like-minded creatives in South Africa, Luke has developed a collection of garments which seeks to build a deeper, more meaningful connection with garment and wearer.

" Being given the opportunity to explore the archive of one of history’s greatest couturiers, Azzedine Alaïa, will forever be a highlight of my career. This kind of cross-cultural exchange is so important and the work that the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation and Orveda are doing to further this conversation is commendable and faithful to the missions of the Foundation. I am so excited to interpret the Foundation archives through my own perspective that I call ‘emotional tailoring’ which feels authentic, given Azzedine Alaïa’s sharp and moving body of work. " Luke Radloff

Luke Radloff will be supported in his research by two tutors: Marco Pecorari, Director of the Parsons School, Paris and Antoine Buchet, assistant professor at the Parsons School, Paris. The mini-collection that Luke will create, financed by Orveda, will be exhibited  at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in January 2024 during the Couture Week and will carry his UNI FORM label.