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Interview:Alexandra Cipparone of ALEX&RA

ALEX&RA is an San Francisco line designed by Alexandra Cipparone where you can find some amazing skirts and dresses.
Marina and Brodway are the name of the current collections designed and sewed by Alexandra available on ALEX&RA.

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How did you started fashion designing?

I found my love for fashion design in high school. My oldest sister Noel took a sewing class and I signed up just to be like her. Turns out I was actually really good at it! I ended up being the girl who cut up club t-shirts and made them into cute tube tops and off-the-shoulder tops. I’d even embellish them with all sorts of gems. I guess I just saw them as blank canvases and used my creativity to stand out from the rest.

Tell us more about your line,ALEX&RA.

ALEX&RA is the product of many of years of dreaming and planning. I’ve compiled everything that I’ve learned about the industry, sewing, patternmaking, design, and art into a brand that truly represents me. It’s a feminine line that features tailored skirts and romantic dresses – the perfect combination for every girl’s wardrobe! I want ALEX&RA to be the go-to brand for unique, one-of-a-kind, and perfectly fitted clothes. The relationship I create with my customers is also really important to me – I work hard to make everything perfect for them and give them the custom fit they deserve!

Any favorite piece?

My favorite piece that I have designed so far has to be the Black Pencil Dress with Ruffles. I love how understated the dress seems at first, but then when you put it on you are just overwhelmed by how amazing it makes you feel. It’s flirty, super feminine, and easy to wear. I would wear it every day if I could!

Where do you get your
insipiration?
I am inspired by so much! First and foremost, I am inspired by the city of San Francisco. It is a remarkable place alive with culture and diversity. Every street has a story to tell. Every person has something unique to admire. Even a short stroll around the city gives me so many great ideas to work with! I am also largely influenced by art and vintage design. I think they give my line a unique feeling of history and permanence – not simply a trend for the season.

Who are your ideal customers?

Pinpointing my ideal customer is hard to say. I think my work appeals to a wide range of people – the younger crowd, the business crowd, the party girls, the students etc. That’s what I love most about my line. What they have in common is their appreciation for handmade, high-quality work and the importance of staying unique. So much of fashion these days is duplicated, comes in a million different colors, and is worn by everyone on the street. My line is for the girls who want something of their own, something just for them.

How do you see yourself and ALEX&RA in 10 years?

In ten years time, I hope that ALEX&RA will have established itself as an up-and-coming brand out of San Francisco. I would like to see the line sold in high-end boutiques and department stores – in the US and worldwide! I would like to have a team of people to work with that will be able to learn and contribute their own ideas and talents to the line. I want to do this forever!

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