Today feature the beautiful work of Alexandra Grecco. If you are a fan of vintage fashion with a pop of glam, then this interview is just for you. Alexandra is a talented fashion designer… see for yourself.
What made you start this business – the major turning point?
The turning point happened slowly and subtly, which I think helped my decision to become a designer, a really solid one. Growing up, I consistently dressed my family in my latest creations made of bed sheets, which they were supportive of, thankfully. In high school, I worked at a vintage boutique and was always reconstructing the clothes I took home from that shop or from my grandmother’s closet. My bedroom was entirely wallpapered with my fashion sketches, but it wasn’t until about a year ago when I decided to really focus on it as a career. After college, I had been working pretty mundane secretarial positions for a while, trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do professionally, when I began writing a fashion blog to get me through the work day (hopefully none of my former bosses are reading this!). I started to interview local vintage boutique owners and fashion designers for inspiration, and, in general, to promote local businesses. Through talking to these people, I realized that what I wanted was to create a world for myself, a world where I could be in charge of my schedule, surroundings and take something I had an affinity towards and let it flourish into my own business.
What inspires you?
Growing up, I was always inspired by everything vintage, I still am. I have tons of old photo albums I peruse. I like Polaroid, a lot. I think that’s why my color pallet tends to be made up of pale hues, or why I favor dusty roses and blues, because the color of my favorite photographs have lost, or never had, much saturation. Photographers I love are, Miroslav Tichy, Wendy Bevan, Man Ray and Ellen Rogers.
I’ve always been into old silent movies, and ladies like Mary Pickford, Theda Bara (hence the Pickford Onesie and Irma Vep Wrap Dress) and Louise Brooks. Their look is dramatic, yet soft, which is something that has always captivated me. Same goes for Nabokov’s Lolita. Since I was young, both Kubrick and Lyne’s film versions of that novel, has influenced my style. I’m stunned when a woman can appear youthful and innocent, yet she’s effortlessly and dangerously alluring.
Lastly, vintage lingerie, curves and pin up girls! I suppose I’m most comfortable at home when I’m lounging in something ridiculously feminine, and sexy, yet something that carries a simplicity and is practical enough to venture outdoors in, if need be. Basically, I always want to wear my underwear outside, but realizing that desire is, unfortunately, not considered civilized and would cause ailments for the majority of the elderly, I took my inspiration from boudoir-wear and infused it with daytime practicality for my first collection!
What is the best part about your job?
The creative flexibility and the fact that I’m able to solidify my daydreams and have a supportive following, friends and family along with it all, is amazing. I love collaborating with other artists/designers and being a part of a thriving community. I feel really lucky. I’m also excited to learn more about making my line and workspace more eco-friendly. It’s another challenge I’m happy to accept, along with supporting NYC’s garment district.
Whats the process?
First, I create a color pallet, which usually develops over time from different smells, tastes, the weather, film, music, people, anything I’m involved with during that time. I think about what I’d like to wear, sketch it or drape it, and then think of ways to make it unique yet wearable, comfortable and marketable. I try not to get too serious over it, serious enough because I care about it, but ultimately I want my clothes to have a whimsical, yet sexy feel that reminds us all of playing “dress up”, a feeling that, too many times, gets lost in our busy, scheduled lives. It’s all bringing play into life.
Do you have an online shop?
I do! Right now I’m on etsy.com.
Tell us a little about yourself, to get to know you more
I’m from NJ originally, not far outside Manhattan, so growing up I was able to spend a lot of time in the city. NYC was my first love, for sure, and everyday I’m so inspired by it, particularly Brooklyn.
For a few years, before I pursued design, I wanted to be an actress and studied at a theater school in NYC and London, but I really dreaded the audition process, in fact, was nauseated by it, and quickly decided it wasn’t for me. I definitely prefer working behind the camera, which is something I’ve been experimenting with as of late with my small camera collection, and my brother and I are working together on a short film for my next collection! I feel lucky to be a part of this “digital generation”, especially as a designer. I love reading blogs and having a blog of my own, where I can share my work and inspiration, and I can form relationships with readers and people I admire. It’s an amazingly supportive community and it’s really exciting! And that’s that!
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If you like what you see, then go ahead and add her blog to your reader. That way you will be updated with the latest trends. She also has a facebook page as well… so why not fan that too. Thank you Alexandra for letting me feature your work on Glamour This! Wishing you all the success
Posted by: Kelly | Glamour This! official blog of Blushink with 7 comments
Posts like this make me realize how much of a small world it is. Kelly, you are my Canadian bff I haven’t even met yet and Alex and I met at college orientation and Hannah (the super sexytime model!) and I have been interwebz pals since my Livejournal days in high school. I heart you three ladies so much and I am so proud of Alex’s gorgeous designs. Alex-if you ever want to collaborate with an illustrator/photographer-wannabe, feel free to get in touch because I think you are fantastic and am super excited to see where you take this, especially with the digital work to come. <3
Very inspiring–and I love those pink satin shoes!
Nice photos. Very heavenly
I love her designs ! Just feature this label on my blog
hhtp://charlotteauzou.wordpress.com
[...] is indeed a small world. Alexandra even did an interview recently with one of friends, Kelly at Blush!nk, which was also exciting to [...]
People who sell on Etsy are supposed to make their products by hand, not “support New York’s garment district.”
Is Alexandra sewing these things herself? If not, she is breaking Etsy’s rules.
Signed, a concerned Etsy clothing seller.
Sally, from my understanding Alexandra is making her own clothes. From her site “Hand-sewn headbands and gowns embroidered with vintage millinery flowers and rhinestones showcase an attention to detail that creates a one-of-a-kind, custom feeling.”
She now sells her clothes in other locations, but yes she started off making her own.