10 Questions With Alon Livne

Designer Alon Livne

1) Alon, are celebrities just like us?

On the one hand, yes, they sleep, scroll on their smartphones, take showers, and get stomach aches if they eat too much chocolate. But on the other hand, they live very public lives that don’t allow for normal everyday things like casually walking around a mall or going to the movies.

I’ve worked with some of the biggest stars in the world, from Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Naomi Campbell to the Kardashian family, and from my personal experience they were all incredibly sweet and pleasant. As a designer, dressing women who inspire so many people is an amazing story to be part of.

2) When did you know you wanted to become a fashion designer?

I knew I wanted to become a fashion designer from a very, very young age. As a child I loved comic books and used to draw comic characters all the time. At a certain point, I realized that most of my attention was focused on the clothes the characters were wearing. I would obsessively draw every tiny detail of a garment until it suddenly clicked for me that this was what I truly loved doing.

3) As you mastered the art of sewing and pattern making, what began to characterizes your designs?

My designs are characterized by a slightly architectural aesthetic, with sculptural elements and a futuristic touch. In my bridal collections, I love emphasizing luxurious fabrics and meticulous handcrafted work, while experimenting with interesting cuts and searching for new proportions.

4) Do you consider fashion art?

Of course I consider fashion to be art. In fact, one of the designers I worked for, Alexander McQueen, was unquestionably an artist in every sense of the word. So yes, it’s wearable art, art that is presented on the human body, but it is still art. Of course, I’m talking about special custom made pieces, not jeans and a T shirt.

It’s a bit like saying food can be art. You can buy a slice of pizza on the street just to satisfy your hunger, but there are also Michelin star restaurants where every dish is calculated down to the smallest detail and creates an unforgettable experience.

5) Is there a difference between dressing celebrities and dressing a bride?

Honestly, there are some indeed parallels between a celebrity and a bride. It sounds funny, but it’s true. A woman on her wedding day feels like a star. It’s her moment to shine, her moment to stand center stage, with all eyes on her.

6) What are the needs of this woman and how do you deliver that in your designs?

The brides who wear my designs want to feel that they are wearing a garment that was created with thought and intention, something that makes them feel unique and not just like they’re wearing another dress. They are usually very connected to fashion and familiar with all the hottest trends, even if in the end they decide to go with something timeless and classic.

7) What do women get from an Alon Livne gown that they can't get anywhere else?

One of the main things brides receive from me, compared to other bridal designers, is that first and foremost I am a fashion designer who truly lives and breathes fashion. I worked at major European fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli, and I dress celebrities for important events like red carpets, music videos, and international tours. Because of that, I have the expertise to make a woman look incredible and truly stand out.

8) What is your greatest source of inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is nature. As a designer constantly searching for the next silhouette, organic shapes are an inseparable part of my work. Nature is an endless source of inspiration for me. Flowers, butterflies, creatures from the depths of the ocean, and nature in all its forms are my creative wellspring.

9) Do you have a favorite gown design?

That’s a difficult question, because it’s a bit like asking a parent who their favorite child is.That said, I definitely have favorite gowns for different types of brides. For example, for a bride looking for a very soft, feminine look that hugs and flatters the body, I would recommend the Rosalin gown. On the other hand, for someone getting married in a grand ballroom venue and looking for a dramatic ball gown that will leave everyone speechless, the Beth gown is perfect. And for a bride searching for something different, unique, and fearless, I would recommend the Fiora gown.

10) What is a perfect day for you - how does it start, how does it end?

A perfect day for me is a day where I don’t have a morning meeting, so I can take my morning slowly and peacefully, drinking my iced Americano, even in the winter, while listening to my favorite music. Then I arrive at my studio and work on a new collection. The creative process of building a collection gives me an incredible sense of excitement and fulfillment, and combined with a calm morning, that’s the perfect day for me.