behind the scenes
Interview with Alexis Bittar, Owner & Designer Alexis Bittar, New York.
When did you start creating the Alexis Bittar brand?
I began selling my first line of jewelry in 1988 in Soho on the corner of Prince and Greene Streets. I was one of the first vendors there. It’s now a bit of a zoo, but at the time there were only 6 of us.
What were you doing before the days of Alexis Bittar?
As a child, I accompanied my parents to flea markets, where they collected and sold rare antiques and collectables. At the age of 10, I had my first entrepreneurial venture, selling flowers from a hand-painted cart across the street from my house. From the money I earned there, I bought my first 35mm camera & developing equipment and begin a brief stint as a young photographer. By high school I was selling vintage clothing and Bakelite jewelry on St Marks place.
What was your driving inspiration for starting your own brand?
On St Marks I was impressed with how people really valued the fact that the Bakelite had been hand-carved. I was in a store and came up with the idea of fusing the styles of Lalique glass with Bakelite, using Lucite. It was just a thought, but I followed it through and started carving it by hand in my bedroom.
What are the key beliefs & philosophies behind the brand?
You can’t be afraid of hard work. Most people are obsessed with being famous because that is what our culture is obsessed with – but no one wants to put in the time to master a skill. There is this sense of entitlement where we think things should just be given to us, or we are just waiting to be ‘discovered’. That’s bullshit! The sooner you realize that only you and your hard work can make your career happen, the sooner you will accomplish it.
What are the main cultural influences from your home country, that come through in your designs?
Growing up in NY I was definitely influenced by the city. By the mid 80s I was enrolled in freshman year of college, but never went to school. Instead I started going to all the dance clubs and was immersed in the exciting mix of underground fashion, music and pure exhibitionism at all the clubs (favorite club: Danceteria) . I wanted to be part of it! The easiest way to get involved in the scene was by dressing up and ‘giving a look’ when you went out… that’s how I really got into fashion.
How would you describe the Alexis Bittar customer that you have in mind when creating your collections?
My designs are meant for a broad variety of customers from society dames who collect intricately detailed florals and gamine girls who accumulate hand-painted Lucite bangles to the fashionistas who desire the absolute latest fashion jewellery.
How many people are there behind the scenes at Alexis Bittar?
I started my business really gradually, hiring one employee and then two. I eventually became really focused and built the company to 160 employees.
When did you open your first store, in Soho, in New York?
I opened Soho in 2004, just a couple blocks away from the corner sidewalk where I started my business. We opened our second NYC location in July of 2008 in the West Village.
What’s your favorite feature of that store?
We had an artist hand-paint cherry blossoms on the silk wallpaper of the new store. Everyone who walks in comments on how beautiful it is.
What’s your most loved local place to spend some spare time?
Prospect Park!
For visitors to New York where would you recommend they stay, eat, drink & play…and why?
The best Chinese in New York is the Grand Sichuan – I go there religiously. I wasn’t a big fan of Chinese food until I traveled to China, and then I tasted really good Chinese food. This place is so delicious, but be sure to tell them to make it mild! Also great is August in the West Village – it’s super cozy and each meal tastes home-cooked. In that same neighborhood is a good quintessential NY spot, Elephant & Castle. The same waiters have been there since the beginning so it’s easy to feel like a regular. They have the best Chicken Schnitzel, and for dessert, I always get the Boston Indian Pudding, a delicious concoction made with cornmeal and molasses, topped with whipped cream. While you’re nearby, be sure to make a point of popping into Rebel Rebel Records, one of the city’s great, old-school record stores.
What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind?
I like to watch Agatha Christie’s Miss Marples series.
How often do you travel and where do you go?
I try to go overseas five times a year. I get to go to Paris twice a year for business and then pick somewhere as far from civilization as possible for vacation.
What’s your dream vacation destination?
A perfectly paced trip around the world for a year.
Have you done it yet?
No, it’s still a dream!
What are your top 3 travel tips you want to share with Global Hot Shops?
1. Don’t plan every moment. Take the time to walk and get lost in the city.
2. Meet locals and take their advice on what to do.
3. Always find out where the best local flea market is!
