Design(er) Speak: AL&ALICIA

We don't really like to play favourites, but there is no doubt that AL&ALICIA occupies a special place in our hearts. It also doesn't hurt that their second magazine, A.ZINE Issue.02, on FashionSpace.com is so gorgeous (warning: flipping through it may exacerbate your wanderlust). With AL&ALICIA fast becoming one of the most successful local labels on this little red dot, we caught up with its fabulous founder, Alicia Ong, for a tête-à-tête and picked her brain a little. And this is what she has to say about New York City, the Singaporean fashion scene and more!

FS: Hi Alicia! We at FashionSpace.com really like what you are doing with AL&ALICIA. So, what is the story behind the brand - how did you get started in fashion design?

AO: I never really thought about starting my own label until I returned home from New York, where I studied at Parsons School of Design. I've always loved to sketch and make clothes ever since I was young, and the timing just seemed right after New York. I felt that there was a void in the local fashion industry for edgy high-end street wear and I wanted to offer exclusive, well-designed clothes of uncompromised quality that would appeal to a woman looking for a little difference in her wardrobe. Everything seemed to fall into place and I also received immense support from close friends and family, which gave me the added confidence to take the plunge with AL&ALICIA in 2009. Of course, it helped that I'd spent a couple of years working for Marc by Marc Jacobs, J Crew, DKNY and Richard Chai while I was in New York!

FS: On whom, dead or alive, do you most wish to see your designs on?

AO: The Fanning sisters.

FS: Your last collection, Private Party, is inspired by the magical New York City night. What are the top 5 things you love about the Big Apple?

AO:
- The creative vibe, atmosphere and the people
- The endless things to do, parties and events to go to every single week.
- Museums and exhibitions
- Awesome food
- Soho and the lower east side shops

FS: If you have 24 hours to spend in New York City, what will your perfect day be like - what will you do, what will you eat, where will you shop?

AO: I'd head out to Williamsburg for some awesome brunch at Egg and grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Then some shopping along the lower east and Soho, paying a visit to Aritzia, Odin, Creatures of Comfort, Urban outfitters etc. Then walk along the high-line with my favorite Pink Berry (froyo) in hand. I'd round it off with dinner & drinks with my best friend at any of the quirky cool restaurants in the west village and then call it a day.

FS: As a Singaporean designer, what are your favourite and least favourite things about our local fashion scene? And which aspect(s) of the New York fashion scene do you think Singapore should strive to emulate?

AO:
- Favorite: The flourishing pool of local designers with aspirations and ambitions.
- Least Favorite: Locals favoring international brands over local brands.
- I don't think we need to 'follow' NY, but rather, develop and cultivate our own culture and people, which in my opinion, is the main factor in contributing to the local fashion scene.

FS: What is one question that you wish people will ask you during an interview?


AO: I get nervous with interviews so I usually don't hope they ask me anything too difficult, but questions about my inspirations...I like to talk about those because they are so varied.

FS: What is one question that you wish people will never ask you during an interview?


AO: Anything about politics.

FS: If you ever write a memoir of your fashion career, what will be its title?

AO: I'll let you know if I ever do.

FS: In your opinion, what is the greatest fashion sin one can commit?

AO: Disrespecting a dress code.

FS: If you absolutely have to wear one of the following, which one will you pick? Leggings as pants OR a fanny pack.

AO: Can I wear a tunic to cover the leggings? If not, I guess I'd have to go with a fanny pack!