In a new alliance between the Alaïa Foundation and luxury beauty brand Orveda, a residency program for young fashion talents has been launched. The first recipient of this collaboration is South African designer Luke Radloff.
The Alaïa Foundation, established in 2007, has a primary objective of preserving and conserving the archives of renowned fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, who passed away in 2017. Additionally, the foundation aims to support emerging talents in the fashion industry. With the introduction of the residency program, the focus on transmitting knowledge and fostering new talent is brought to the forefront. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with skincare brand Orveda, allowing a cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Through the residency program, one young fashion talent from the new generation will be selected twice a year. They will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the activities and missions of the Alaïa Foundation. Alongside this, they will receive mentorship from a seasoned professional, in collaboration with the Parsons School of Art and Design in Paris.
Olivier Saillard, the General Director of the Alaïa Foundation, emphasizes the importance of transmitting the history of fashion through the works and heritage collections established by Azzedine Alaïa. The partnership with Orveda will enable the laureate creators to gain knowledge and understanding of the immense legacy left by Alaïa.
The first beneficiary of the program, Luke Radloff, is a South African designer who launched his brand UNI FORM in 2019. Radloff was selected by a jury of experts, including Carla Sozzani (President of the Alaïa Foundation) and Sara Sozzani Maino (Ambassador of the Italian National Chamber of Fashion & Condé Nast CNCC Creative Advisor), among others. At the conclusion of his residency, Radloff, along with future recipients, will be invited to create a mini-collection inspired by the work of Azzedine Alaïa.
The concept of artist residencies is well-known in the art world, and the Alaïa Foundation’s initiative draws inspiration from this practice. For instance, the Hermès Foundation has successfully implemented residency programs for over ten years. Such programs play a crucial role in promoting emerging talent, identifying new potential, and perpetuating a brand’s heritage.
Useful links:
1. Alaïa Foundation
2. Orveda
