Buzzy designer Joseph Altuzarra to show in S.F.
New York fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra has quickly become a favorite of clients and industry insiders alike since his brand’s launch in 2008. His bold mixing of patterns and color; flirty silhouettes; and femme with a touch of the subversive has earned him celebrity fans, including Priyanka Chopra, Kate Middleton and first lady Michelle Obama. In 2014, the 33-yearold half-French, half-Chinese American designer (he was born and raised in Paris) was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award for best womenswear designer.
On Oct. 17, Altuzarra will be in San Francisco for a special runway show of his resort and spring 2017 capsule collection at the Asian Art Museum, presented with Saks Fifth Avenue, for the museum’s 50th anniversary. Style checked in with Altuzarra about his public acclaim, his just-debuted spring collection and where he looks for inspiration.
Q: Have you been able to enjoy the industry acclaim and public fandom that’s been steadily coming your way the past few years?
A: I am so grateful for the industry’s ongoing support, from buyers and retailers to press, media and stylists in New York and abroad. It’s been very satisfying for me to be able to share these milestones (such as the 2014 CFDA Award win) with my growing team. I really enjoy visiting stores and speaking with customers and women who buy and wear Altuzarra; their feedback is invaluable. Everything from the fit of armholes to needing pockets on certain dresses and skirts. Seeing our product on a customer is always very helpful for me as I design future collections.
Q: In a recent interview about your spring collection, you said that the times are hard (a reference to turbulent world politics) and you wanted to create a “happy, joyous, flirty, fun” collection to help ease minds. Do current events always inform your collections so strongly?
A: I think in some way or another, the mood of society and my personal mood is always consciously or subconsciously reflected in my collections. For this season, I think the happy, joyous, flirty and fun mood of the collection was really a reaction to what’s going on in politics right now, and wanting there to be something more light and playful, and also from the fact that I’ve had a wonderful summer personally, and feel very happy and energized.
Q: You have an art history background. How has that impacted you as a designer? Who are your favorite fine artists to revisit?
A: I think it’s definitely impacted the way I prepare for and research inspiration for my collections, as well as gather my thoughts and ideas. I admire the photography of Simen Johan; the tapestries and textile art by Sheila Hicks are continually inspiring, as are pieces by Maria Pergay.
Q: Your international/multicultural background speaks very strongly to the multicultural community we have here in San Francisco. How did growing up in France with a French father and Chinese American mother affect your aesthetic development?
A: My parents were interested in many cultural facets, from literature, ballet to architecture, and certainly shared that with me and my brother growing up in Paris. I studied ballet when I was young (at Conservatoire Erik Satie) and the discipline and rigor applied to that definitely also shaped my approach today.
Q: This fall, what should women be adding to their wardrobes to say fresh?
A: A color blocked dress with fringe detailing is an instant look that works for a lot of occasions. The chunky knit sweater, updated this season with leather trim detailing, is perfect for layering under a jacket or on its own, with the signature pencil skirt of the season. For evening, try mixing a sequin blouse with a simple, black cigarette pant for a sophisticated yet edgy look.