Carine and Franca in Alaïa

Why Anna Wintour has a vendetta, a refusal to feature Azzedine Alaïa in US Vogue for the last 15 years, is beyond me.

I guess it is our loss. Thanks Ms. Wintour for not putting your ego aside for the sake of fashion.

Out of all the overpriced designs out there (ehem, Balmain—and FYI, Alaïa is cheaper than Balmain), Alaïa should be the only one to deserve that privilege. In his dresses you can see the exquisite craftsmanship and the refinement of his fabric choices. Alaïa doesn’t meerly “bedazzle” jackets, or puts shoulder pads in them, he really gets to know your body and make it look good. For him, it is not about making trends, but making you look good and chic.

As you will see from these photos from the Sartariolist, the two most influential women in Europe embrace Alaïa. Editor in Chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roiteld and Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani are devoted Alaïa followers. In most issues, they feature an Alaïa piece.

I am not quite sure who wore that skirt first, but they both look so good in it that it does not even matter.

By BILL CUNNINGHAM

A bold sculptural silhouette cut from black shearling, a coat suggesting the line of a Degas ballerina, was worn for New York Fashion Week by Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue. It was designed by the Paris couturier Azzedine Alaïa, who ranks among the great architects of fashion. The coat’s leather side has a shimmering patent finish. The inside is dyed black shearling. Ms. Roitfeld accented the coat with black tights and platform ankle boots.

There were thousands of superbly dressed women attending the designer collections, but only Ms. Roitfeld looked like the future.

Carine at a Marc Jacobs show.

Even Vogue Paris Fashion Director, Emmanuelle Alt, loves those Alaïa shoes.