There's been much speculation for the past few months over who is to replace Galliano after his uncerimonious departure from French fashion house Christian Dior. Many names where thrown around, such as Riccardo Tisci and Alber Elbaz, even Sarah Burton. Today the Financial Times reported that the name that was on NOBODIES lips has already declined the position - Azzedine Alaia.
I remember the first time hearing his name - in Clueles when Cher is being mugged and told to lie on the floor she protests 'but this is an Alaia' about her dress. Around the same time he stopped showing his collections the way that most designers do, instead preffering to showcase them privately to buyers in his own showroom, much the way that designers such as Tom Ford does now.
With celebrities such as Victoria Beckham announcing him as their favourite designers, it is no suprise that he was selected for the job. It appears that he has turned it down partly due to his age (the tunisian designer is in his 70's) and the fact that his company is part owned by Richmont (rival of CD parent compan LVMH).
Whilst it has come as a suprise that Alaia selected the job, it makes people all the more curious as to who will eventuall come to replace Galliano
