Every time I hear the names Azzedine Alaïa or Cristóbal Balenciaga, I immediately think: creativity, craftsmanship, confidence. And when it comes to the latest exhibition presentend by The Association Azzedine Alaïa at rue de la Verrerie, my attitude couldn't be different. A meeting point of two tailoring geniuses, clothing architects not overpowered by any special effects. Pure elegance that can defend itself in a minimalist space. Without unncessary distraction, I could devote myself to quiet contemplation of art in its highest form.

This very unusual dialogue between the two talented couturiers and their spectacular haute couture creations is a kind of the memory of Balenciaga, carefully saved and developed by Alaïa. When I was looking at this unique heritage, totally fascinated by an extraordinary precision and contrasting influences in craft (like the bolero tops, through coats & cocktail dresses) all of my senses screamed. An endless labyrinth of Spanish & Franco-Tunisian inventiveness locked in one space.

Putting together Alaïa & Balenciaga is not accidental because as Hubert de Givenchy said: "in my eyes, he was the only one who could bear the confrontation with Cristóbal… I regret not having made him the offer during his lifetime". There are 80 models that simply proof of their many common points. One of the most important is visible from the very beginning of their work - the two rejected the conventions of their time, the rules of the haute couture union chamber. They never met, but both of them exactly knew how to cut, mount a pattern, glorify the fabric and excelled in both tailoring and blurring. Very rare feature, but definitely testifying to their great mastery in the fashion industry.

The whole exhibition is like watching the best players that echo each other. The encounter between two monuments of the couture of all time. Nothing more, nothing less. Just right.