Alaïa’s Roman Holiday

Azzedine Alaïa appreciates the female form; you need look no further than his extensive archive of curve-hugging, utterly sexy dresses for proof. It makes sense, then, that Galleria Borghese in Rome would invite the Paris-based designer to install a selection of his designs as “soft sculptures” amongst the gallery’s permanent collection of classical marble statues. In one room, two bandeau dresses (one in black, the other gray) frame Venus Victrix, a graceful marble rendition of the Roman goddess reclining partially nude by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova from the turn of the 19th century. In another room, a white skater dress is diagonal to Bernini’s David. Titled “Couture/Sculpture,” the exhibition will open at the 17th-century villa tomorrow. In the meantime, click through the slideshow above for a sneak peek.

“COUTURE/SCULPTURE” OPENS TOMORROW, JULY 11. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE GALLERIA BORGHESE WEBSITE.