Alexa Galler of Eighteenth

 Images: Eighteenth

I was first introduced to Eighteenth during September's GenArt Fresh Faces in Fashion show. 

Walked in not knowing what to expect (other than a healthy dose of fresh fashion) and walked away from the show with my interest keenly sparked by the line Eighteenth, and the ethereal fashions Alexa Galler presented as part of her "I gained 10 lbs, but grew 10 inches" collection. Sent down the runway were Galler's hallmark perfectly chic t-shirts, stylishly draped and cinched, along with gorgeous gowns, flowing jeans and breathtaking ensembles.

Galler, who started her line after a failed career as official rhinestone butterfly craftswoman for a company that supplied denim for Walmart, began Eighteenth with six t-shirts. Not just any t-shirts, but well cut, perfectly soft, perfectly edgy t-shirts, that quickly got her noticed, and stocked at places like Oak NYC. Seriously, talking the holy grail of t-shirts here. I am patiently waiting for my size to restocked in her online shop. Sadly, I expect this sold out status to continue....

Fast forward to present day, where we find Galler now, the recipient of an Eco Domani 2012 Fashion Foundation award, preparing to stage her first solo presentation this February.

Ms. Galler, despite being quite busy prepping for her latest project, was kind enough to share some of her thoughts, tidbits on her soon to be revealed fall line, along with the standard, 5 questions with MPCC, below.

GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion show is a big platform, for someone who professed "I don't want to be a serious designer", in the interview! Have you changed your stance at all post show?

When I said that I don’t want to be a serious designer, I meant that I want to have fun when I design.

What is in store for Eighteenth for the season? Are you planning any new shows or presentations for the Fall collections?

I am doing a fashion presentation this season with a grant from the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. It is my first independent show. It’s very exciting, but also very stressful.

How did you come up with the title of the GenArt show {I gained 10 lbs, but grew 10 inches}?

I thought it was funny and like the challenge of designing a collection that combined these opposing ideas. I also like experiment with proportion, which makes the wearing more aware and interested in their clothing and how it related to our bodies.

From your beginning, with a line of six t-shirts, to now, you have accomplished a lot. What do you think is your biggest achievement to date?

It’s the little things that make me feel accomplished, like finding the right fabric or when a design finally works out after weeks of working on it. These awards are wonderful to get, but I’m am more excited to be growing and improving as a designer.
 

Do you find that your background in art translates into your designs? Any specific artists or reference points for the Spring line?

My aesthetic is pretty must the same in everything I do, whether it is designing clothing, graphics or art directing a fashion shoot. I didn’t have a specific reference in mind, but I did want the clothes to communicate growth.

And any hints you can give about Fall? 

Fall is titled “My Dad’s Hair”. It is inspired by my dad’s uniform of khakis, polo shirts and suits. Then I played with proportion and textured fabrics.
 

What is the one piece from your collection that no woman should be without?

A black t-shirt.

What piece in your closet means the most to you?

In this cold weather it is an imperfect sample of a sweater I am making for fall. It’s super warm.

5 Questions with MPCC

Last major purchase you made?

Fabric

Top 3 songs played on your ipod?

The Darjeeling Limited Soundtrack

Sweet or salty?

Sweet, extremely sweet

Favourite spot in NYC?

Jack’s Coffee on W. 10th

Last meal on earth, you order ____________.

Ice Cream

 Images: GenArt