Olivier Saillard, curator of 'Azzedine Alaïa's Dior Collection': 'These are pieces that have never before been exhibited'

Olivier Saillard, in Paris, in 2025. LAZIZ HAMANI

Olivier Saillard, director of the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, is also the curator of the exhibition "Azzedine Alaïa's Dior Collection," on view at Galerie Dior until May 3, 2026.

What does Azzedine Alaïa's clothing collection consist of?

Azzedine Alaïa began collecting garments in 1968, when the Balenciaga house closed, and accelerated his acquisitions over the following decades. He was nearly 20 years ahead of fashion brands, most of which only began to take an interest in their archives in the 1980s. He would visit flea markets and auction houses. He was not interested in accumulating works of art or second homes: His passion was rescuing the heritage of couture.

When did you discover his collection?