Holiday Fashion

Alicia Simeran was born in Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country. While attending Catholic school, Alicia’s mother helped her construct a dress of her own design. Upon seeing this creation, Alicia was instantly sent home by the principal for the risqué look. A love for the daring was instilled in her from that moment on. She came to the United States as a young woman with her husband, raised her family, and created a new life in Chicago. Alicia began working for Missoni, at the legendary department store Bonwit Teller. She broke the rules by wearing pantsuits, when the dress code requirement for women was skirts only. Once again, Alicia was sent home to change. Alicia later discovered the fashion emporium, Ultimo, a boutique that was known for outfitting Chicago’s dangerously chic. The boutique spoke her love of avant-garde design and provided her with just the palate she had longed for. Alicia relied on the legendary boutique for nearly thirty years, as it offered the unique and daring garments she cherished. Alicia Simeran was truly an expert curator of fine things, and Hindman Auctions is proud to showcase her impressive collection of advanced designer clothing that includes some of the most sought-after brands in the fashion world.

Azzedine Alaïa (1935-2017) was an independent force in fashion, now synonymous with the sensual glamour of his body-contouring creations. The designer was born to a family of wheat farmers in Tunisia and trained as a sculptor. In 1957, Alaïa moved to Paris work in Christian Dior’s atelier, only to leave five days later due to the escalation of the Algerian War. In the mid-60's, Alaïa set up his first studio, where he soon began to dress members of Parisian high society, including Greta Garbo. During this time, he periodically lent his talents to other designers, namely Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent, for whom he helped to design the iconic Mondrian dresses. His status continued to grow with new high-profile clients such as Madonna, Tina Turner, and Naomi Campbell, a close friend and protégée of the designer since she was 16. In 1985, Alaïa dressed Grace Jones for her role as May Day in the James Bond film A View to Kill.
Known as the “King of Cling,” Alaïa’s ability to sculpt the female form was truly unmatched. He paid careful attention to how even the smallest of details could alter a silhouette. Working primarily in neutral palettes, he eschewed bright color as a distraction from the beauty of the wearer’s curves. Alaïa experimented with the structural properties of textiles, pioneering new uses for stretch fabrics and viscose. He also popularized now-ubiquitous silhouettes including bandage dresses, bodycon, and leggings. Alaïa was extremely devoted to his craft–– he never stopped personally cutting and sewing his own designs. His work was singular in technique. He remained fiercely independent to the fashion establishment, never conforming to the rules pushed upon him. In 2000, the Guggenheim Museum honored Alaïa with a solo retrospective.

Double-breasted, oversized, belted jacket with raglan sleeves and notched collar in blue woven nylon. Unlined. 
Label: Alaïa/Ultimo 
Size Label: N/A
Country of Origin: France 

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 18"
Chest: 54"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 47.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 35"