by Roseanne on March 13, 2012
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One of my favorite designers is Azzedine Alaïa. I can always expect beautiful craftsmanship and design, but that usually comes with a not so beautiful and quite large price tag. Just look at these Raffia Wedge Sandals; they exude all of the elements that make Alaïa a known name in the fashion industry. Obviously, many would agree with that statement as they are sold out (image was found via NET-A-PORTER
). Fortunately, if you want to steal this style, we found an alternative that is just perfect for summer!

Azzedine Alaïa Raffia Platform Wedge Sandals
($2.045, SOLD OUT)
Matisse “Ipanema” Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Matisse may not be Alaïa, but these wedge sandals certainly look like they are! The “Ipanema” wedge is like a sister shoe compared with the “Raffia” wedge, minus $1.942.50. Currently priced at $102.50, they can be easily adapted into anyone’s personal style without delving into a savings account. Also, I love how they can be transformed and worn accordingly to any occasion. This versatility really makes these wedges a necessity in one’s closet.

Matisse “Ipanema” Espadrille Wedge Sandals
($102.50, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at
, Shoes.com, Famous Footwear, Zappos
& Onlineshoes.com
.
by Irina on January 25, 2012
Actually, that’s not quite true. Because… don’t we all just love Alaïa shoes? Well, I know I do. He can do both extravagant and simple and still color me impressed. For instance, I adore these studded suede booties – and so does Hollywood. Celebs like Jennifer Hudson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Nicky Hilton have all been spotted wearing this style, each and every one of them looking fab in their Alaïa booties. Too bad you have to be either rich or famous to afford these studded stunners as they come with a hefty $2.448 price tag.


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Azzedine Alaïa Stud and Zip Suede Ankle Boots

Azzedine Alaïa Stud and Zip Suede Ankle Boots
($2.448, Boutique 1)
Ahhhh, Alaïa, the superlative in designer shoes. Not only in quality but also in price. Can you imagine forking out 2k on a pair of summery wedges? Sure, they’re gorgeous and absolutely lustworthy, but still. $2.090. Crazy! Also sold out. It is Azzedine Alaïa after all.

Alaïa Leather Wedge Sandals
($2.090, SOLD OUT)
Rachel Bilson Loves Azzedine Alaïa

Miz Mooz “Tia” Wedges
So you want Alaïa but for less, a lot less, right? No problem, we’ve got your back! Be fabulous like Rachel Bilson in these Alaïa look-a-likes by Miz Mooz which are just a little over $100. Doesn’t this price sound so much better than $2.090? Available in cognac, black, grey, green & red.

Miz Mooz “Tia” Wedges
($109.50, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Piperlime
& NORDSTROM
.
by Celine on March 29, 2010
Azzedine Alaïa is an inspired clothes designer, but I think he’s an even better shoe designer. Devotees seem to hoard his footwear like each pair is the last. Alaïa counts many celebrities as fans but our favorite starlets seem to favor one pair of his shoes in particular: the Ankle Strap Platform Sandals. They have delightful lattice-like cut-away detailing and a 70s retro vibe. The black color is divine, of course, but the cerise has my heart (just look how great they look paired with black stockings on Miroslava Duma, below). You’ll be paying for that style, however: these sandals retail for about $660 and are sold out anyway.

Azzedine Alaïa Ankle Strap Platform Sandals
(£490, SOLD OUT)
Celebrities Love Azzedine Alaïa


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GUESS “Tank” Platform Sandals
If you love the look of the Alaïas but, like me, can’t afford them, GUESS has come out with their version of the Ankle Strap Platform Sandal. Their red color appears to be more on the side of burnt orange but the lattice cut-away is dead-on, as is the adorable peep-toe. GUESS has added a T-strap to their copy, which some women might find is actually more flattering to their legs than just having an ankle-strap. These GUESS “Tank” sandals are also available in medium and dark brown as well as black and come with a reasonable price tag of $98.95.

GUESS “Tank” Platform Sandals
($98.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Heels.com.
Vince Camuto “Paula” Peep-toe Sandals
If the GUESS sandals aren’t quite doing it for you (I don’t know, maybe you hate T-straps!), we thought these Vince Camuto “Paula” sandals were also a great alternative to the Alaïas. They have the same great cut-aways (minus the perforated edges), a platform front (with triangle detailing, just like the originals) and a retro-inspired chunky heel. These will run you only slightly more than the GUESS sandals, which is to say a helluva lot less than the Azzedine Alaïas.

Vince Camuto “Paula” Peep-toe Sandals
($114.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available in black & brown at Dillard’s
.
by Irina on December 1, 2009
These zippered boots by Azzedine Alaïa are so fierce. I adore them! Zippers are very much on trend right now (as are buckles) and you can’t walk into a shoe store without seeing Balmain look-a-like boots pop out of everywhere. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see a zipper boot being NOT inspired by Balmain. I really like the idea of having the freedom to either zip it up when it’s cold or leave it open when it’s warm outside (or if you just had a pedicure and want to show off). However, the price of £1.135 (~$1.860) leaves a lot to be desired.

Azzedine Alaïa Zip Detail Ankle Boots
(£1.135, Browns Fashion)
Leighton Meester Loves Azzedine Alaïa

Jeffrey Campbell “Ga Ga” Zipper Sandals
Thanks to Jeffrey Campbell you can get an almost identical look of the Azzedine Alaïa zipper boots for 1/10 of the price. Apart from the matte leather and the rounder heel I can’t really a difference between these two. Gotta love JC! 

Jeffrey Campbell “Ga Ga” Zipper Sandals
($168, REVOLVEClothing)
P.S.: Karmaloop
is selling the same Jeffrey Campbell heels for $155.