Fashion

Ava McAvoy Is Alaïa's New Muse

by Eliza Florendo

To be noticed by Azzedine Alaïa would be like experiencing a slice of heaven, and such was the case for Linda Evangelista and Stephanie Seymour, who served as the designer's leading ladies in the past. But now, he's got his eye on someone else — Ava McAvoy is Alaïa's newest muse, and for good reason. The 20-year-old and the legendary designer have a truly fascinating bond, as neither speaks each other's languages fluently.

The model told Style.com that prior to modeling, she had actually been working in copywriting and freelance job before she even considered modeling. Then, after returning to the U.S. for Christmas after traveling, and was signed on the spot at Women in Paris.

McAvoy, who refers to Alaïa as Papa, has been working in his atelier for the past four months, and the star of his fall lookbook, which is shot by Karim Sadli and styled by Joe McKenna. And boy, does she look fierce rocking a pixie cut and patent oversized double-breasted coat. While there's a clear language barrier between the two, Alaïa has taken McAvoy under his wing, she told Style.com. "What most people wouldn’t know is just how fun he is. Azzedine is so young at heart and is such a joker. He plays pranks on everyone—it’s hysterical. It has been an absolute honor and blast to work with him."

McAvoy admits that prior to working for the incredible designer, she only knew his name because of Clueless. A lot of us have Cher to thank for bringing Alaïa into our lives, McAvoy included. This, according to McAvoy, is what drew Alaïa to her. "After finding out who he was, I, of course, felt like an imbecile." We forgive you, McAvoy, not everyone knows that Alaïa is like, a totally important designer!

Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Though only working with each other for a few months, its clear that they've formed an undeniable friendship. "There is nobody like Alaïa; he is in a category of his own," she told Style.com. We couldn't agree with her more. I can't wait to see how this partnership with Alaïa will catapult her career.

Images: @focusmagco/Twitter