Peter Beard and Azzedine Alaïa: A Friendship Journey

Peter Beard and Azzedine Alaïa: A Journey of Friendship
Following an invitation from Elle magazine in April 1996, Azzedine Alaïa reunited with his longtime friend, photographer Peter Beard, who was then living in Kenya.

Together, they traveled to Turkana Land, where they spent several days among the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai. Fluent in their language, Peter Beard served as a bridge to this unique cultural encounter. With his characteristic discretion, Alaïa observed, studied, and at times improvised draped garments and informal clothing directly on site.

More than their appearance, Alaïa was captivated by the Samburu’s art of movement and their slow, solemn way of walking, seemingly unchanged through the ages.

Years later, Azzedine Alaïa would still speak of this journey with deep emotion and fond remembrance.

Azzedine Alaïa et Maureen Gallagher au Kenya pour "Elle France", 1996 © Succession de Peter Beard, avec l'aimable autorisation de Peter Beard Studio