Medium: Black python snakeskin

Date: 1991

Country: France

Credit: Museum purchase

Alaïa takes the concept of fitted clothing as a "second skin" and makes it literal in this ensemble constructed from snakeskin. Rather than completely clothe the body in a stretch knit or a precisely-tailored suiting fabric, he overtly reveals the wearer's figure with shorts and a push-up bra-top that further enhance the perfection of the wearer's form. The inclusion of a tailored jacket emphasizes Alaïa's unique blend of eroticism and modesty.

Object Number: 2006.36.1