Gothic elegance- Alexandra Groover Interview

(above) a look - straight from Alexandra's fall 09 catwalk collection

When I came across Alexandra Groovers stunningly elegant, dark, quirky, sheek designs which were presented for the first time during the recent Fall 09 fashion week as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout - I decided I had no choice but to interview her for my blog.......

me - What is your favourite trend for fall 09?

Alexandra - Big jewellery- it's about time it came back- it is such a nice way to make a statement with one's outfit.

me - When did you launch your brand?

Alexandra - I had a soft launch for the label in 2008, and my first official catwalk show was this past February 2009.

me - If you could steal anyones wardrobe from past or present, who's would it be and why?

Alexandra - Ooh, there are too many good choices- but I think Cleopatra would be up there- the Egyptians were so extravagant from their clothing, to their jewellery, hairstyles and makeup.

me - Where do you find inspirations for your designs?

Alexandra - I mostly take inspiration from the natural sciences, but this season, I will take this inspiration with the addition of researching the mythology associated with my natural subjects.

me - When and where did you decide you wanted to be a designer?

Alexandra - I grew up with a jeweler mother and a painter father and a furniture designer who was my babysitter- I think it was pretty much my destiny to become a designer or an artist! But my interest in clothing as a form of design most definitely began when my mother signed me up for my first sewing class when I was 10 years old.

me - Describe the perfect "Alexandra Groover" woman?

Alexandra - The Alexandra Groover woman is one that is very stylish, but also does not blindly follow all of the current fashion trends. She is more individual and prefers to invest in pieces that will compliment her existing wardrobe and not be thrown away after one season. When designing, I keep in mind that I would like each design to be a special, yet classic piece that the customer will want to keep for years and years.

me - What is you favourite fashion boutique?

Alexandra - Max Field in Los Angeles, California, USA

me - Can you give any tips to aspiring fashion designers?

Alexandra - The ones who fail are the ones who give up. Or I perhaps it is best left to man who says it best:

"If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure." Lao-Tzu

or:

Failure is the foundation of success, and the means by which it is achieved. - Lao-Tzu

me - What was it like to present your collection in London Fashion Week as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout?

Alexandra - It was a great honor to be able to present a professional catwalk show to the press and public. Thanks to Vauxhall Fashion Scout, I was able to do this. It couldn't have been better. I had a great team of people helping me make it the successful show that it was.

(above) a photo of Alexandra looking ever so chic
(above) the "Ephyrae" dress from Alexandra's grey label collection