Society Swan Favorite Alexandra Pijut On The Distinctly New York Art Of Dressing Up

There's nothing quite like stepping out in New York, en route to some fabulous fête or exciting reservation, dressed in an undeniably special ensemble that seems to make the city sparkle all the more.

A cross-strapped, bow-adorned bra top and matching puffed column skirt? A demi-caped bubble dress in a metallic blue brocade? A classic silk ivory mini dripping with sequin and crystal beading?

Alexandra Pijut's demi-couture debut is pure magic - a collection filled with playfully sophisticated designs that can't help but inspire a sense of occasion.

It's Parisian chic and New York cool all at once.

Sure to be the new standout designer on the scene this coming season, Alexandra's prête-à-party looks are a society swan's sartorial dream. Curious where the fresh talent finds her inspiration and where you're most likely to spot her stepping out for a night on the town?

How did starting your own brand come about?
It's been a dream of mine for such a long time now- honestly since I began studying fashion design back at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I worked in the industry for five years, first designing commercial fashion before transitioning into the luxury market, and this idea of launching my namesake brand was something I couldn't shake. 

During the pandemic, I started realistic planning to launch Alexandra Pijut in 2023 - it was such a creative moment in my career - I was working remotely in Florida at my parents' house and began designing, totally uninhibited. I felt so supported and inspired to finally design under my own name and explore what that would look like. I was in the planning phase for about a year and a half before the actual launch this past May.

How would you describe your personal style?
I love looking to menswear for inspiration in both my personal wardrobe and when designing. My personal, everyday style is fairly classic, but I'm always mixing feminine and masculine elements with a touch of something unexpected. 

I like to buy pieces that are versatile so that I can create new looks from within my closet - like layering a corset dress over a tuxedo shirt, or an ultra-feminine dress styled over a pair of jeans. It's nice to have that juxtaposition of heavy and light working together to create something new. Although, I'll admit, I am constantly running around the garment district, so 90% of the time you can find me in jeans and a button down shirt with some funky sneakers. It's such a classic look that will never go out of style.

What are some of your favorite occasions to get dressed up for?
It's so funny, but on the day-to-day, I'm a fairly casual, dressed-down person. When I do get dressed up, it is usually for weddings. There have been so many since Covid, so there have certainly been plenty of opportunities! 

It's also always nice turning everyday occasions into special events though - my fiancé loves fashion too so we enjoy getting really dolled up and going out to fancy dinners in NYC sporadically. This past January, I attended the Hunt Ball at The Pierre, which was my first white tie event. That was incredibly fun - all of the men wore coattails and I designed The Coupe Dress, from my debut collection, for that event. Especially being in New York, there is always something going on - I am currently pining to go to the New York City Ballet. I've lived here for almost four years now and I still haven't been, so that is next on my list.

Is there any particular style you'd never be caught dead in?
I'm personally not loving the resurgence of the Y2K style. Props to those who can pull it off, but I'm just not one of them! It's just a look that doesn't resonate with me personally. If you ever see me in low-rise jeans, be concerned - something terrible has happened.

What are some of the pieces you cherish most in your closet?
I don't shop too often, but when I do, I make sure that the piece is well made and has a unique detail that catches my eye. It also must have a timeless quality so that it doesn't feel dated years down the line. Some of my most cherished pieces are a Marques Almeida shirt dress that has this incredible, oversized collar and a draped detail that is secured with a safety pin. I wore this during my runway debut in New York Fashion Week after graduating college and it holds so much meaning to me. My favorite pair of trousers are from Sies Marjan - they are a gorgeous menswear shape with deep pleats and they're made in a brushed, navy wool with a white chalk strike. They also have this super long belt which feels cool to wear a bit undone with the tail hanging down. Lastly, my blush pink, fully embroidered, Zimmerman coat. It's not a brand that I typically gravitate towards, but I found this incredible coat and it has become one of my absolute favorite pieces. The silhouette is almost like a bathrobe, and I just love putting it over jeans, dresses - anything really. I love that it can be totally casual or elevated to a fancy place.

Your designs are just begging to be taken out for a fancy night on the town - what are your top places to get dressed up for in the city?
Gramercy Tavern - Great atmosphere for smaller groups! My fiance and I take my parents here when they visit. The food has been great every time and it's a beautiful setting without being stuffy.

Le Cou Cou - For extra special occasions! When you walk in there's an exquisite bar with a stunning mural behind it- that's where I envision seeing someone in one of my designs. The food is outstanding and their steak tartare is some of the best. Adam, my fiancé, and I celebrated our most recent anniversary here.

The Grill - I took Adam here for his 30th birthday and it was fantastic. The seating all faces in towards the middle of the dining room, which was really unique, but the tables still feel intimate. The absolute best duck I've ever had was from here - 10/10. To me, this restaurant just feels very classic New York.

Lure Fishbar - This is such a cool spot! The interior is designed like the inside of a ship and it has such a great vibe. I'm from Florida originally, so I always appreciate a restaurant with good seafood. The atmosphere isn't overly fancy, so I love to mix and match high and low pieces here.

What's your go-to formal hair style?
Easy - a slicked back bun or soft, undone waves with front pieces pinned behind the ears. The former dancer in me loves the slicked back look, it compliments most formal looks and shows off your jewelry beautifully. Undone waves are always beautiful and when you pin back pieces around your face, it can be a nice nod to a half-up half-down look. As long as the waves are soft and brushed through!

Any recommendations for heels that won't have you hobbling at the end of the night?
I am almost 5'11" so I rarely go with a sky-high heel! I think a lower height shoe that has a thicker heel can be just as chic as something super tall, but without killing your feet. I'm really loving low, slingback heels at the moment. If your outfit calls for it, a whimsical, block heel can also save your feet!

This collection was so inspired by your childhood loves, ballet and horseback riding. What other visual references did you draw from?
It was so nice to revisit my childhood interests for this collection. While ballet and horseback riding took center stage for this collection, I always have historical fashion references on my moodboards. Garments were just made better back in the day and I am constantly looking back at couture sewing techniques and garment finishes to incorporate into my designs. My mentor always says, "the hand came before the machine!" I also watched the film "Silk Stockings" for inspiration. The costumes are done beautifully and there is so much fabulous evening wear in the film. The scene where Cyd Charisse dances around in her apartment in her petticoat and satin underpinnings was one of my favorites as well - I think I rewatched it at least five times.

Congrats on your recent engagement! What can we expect from your wedding day looks?
Thank you! We are very excited... besides the actual union, I think I am most excited for the fashion! I used to draw wedding dresses as a kid, so the fact that I am finally able to design and produce my own is a bit of a dream come true. For the ceremony, right now I am leaning towards a structured, modern silhouette that allows the fabric and beading to do the talking. I love looking to the fifties for silhouette inspiration, so something that has a nod to that era yet remains modern feels good to me at the moment. 

For the events leading up to the big day, there are so many different directions I've thought of going, but I really want to do unexpected, unique looks that incorporate color. My main focus is that all of our guests have fun during our wedding events, so I want to design looks that will make me smile when looking back on them. I'm not-so-secretly hoping for a disco night, so something in the sequined, 70's world would be really fun to design. I'm also planning to design my mom's dress and all my bridesmaids looks, which everyone is excited for!

Your design studio Thistle and Briar makes the chicest personalized, hand-painted wedding stationery. What are some of your favorite motifs at the moment?
Thank you! Thistle and Briar Studio has been such an exciting, creative outlet for me and it means a lot that I get to play a small role in my clients' wedding days. I have a lot of brides who go totally funky, which are always my favorite projects. My most recent project was for a couple getting married in Italy, so we incorporated illustrations of aperol spritzes, beach chairs, statues, and even their dog, Dante, for their RSVP card. Their suite turned out so fresh and unexpected. I just really appreciate it when clients trust me to do something a bit different. 

Another favorite is a wedding crest I designed for a couple whose last name was to be 'Lamb.' I created a design for them that had two lambs supporting a veil of flowers, vines, golf clubs, and a cactus around their initials. Personally, though, I'm very much in a bow phase right now! I think bows might have to be incorporated into our wedding suite. TBD!

If you were going to get married in New York, what venues would be on your list?
This is a very timely question because I have been looking at venues here since my engagement! If I do get married in New York, I've been eyeing a couple interesting venues. At the moment, we are totally undecided about where and when we will get married, but I've loved what I've seen about these spaces!

The Morgan Library - I actually live right by the Morgan Library and I think that it could be such a unique wedding venue. They have a beautiful outdoor space that feels like a little slice of Paris and I think having a small, intimate gathering here would be pretty fabulous. There is also the absolutely stunning interior which could be very cool for a wedding ceremony. I'm also eyeing it for a fashion presentation or photoshoot.

Oheka Castle - I was a huge Succession fan, and Okeha Castle, where they filmed the hunting lodge "Boar on the Floor" episode, would be a dream location. The exterior feels like you're in Europe at a grand chateau, and the wedding photos that I've seen there are simply stunning. The expansive gardens behind the castle also would be a perfect spot for photos and to have a quiet moment with your partner before all the celebrations. 

The Frick Collection - This would be another dream location. I have loved art my whole life, so the thought of being married, surrounded by countless works of influential art would be incredible. Also, for guests to be able to enjoy the collection in such a private way would be very special. We would certainly want to have flowers and decor, but because of the beautiful details that are part of the venue, I wouldn't feel the need to compete with the impressive setting.

Where are you most excited to take the brand next?
Over The Moon is a wonderful destination for brides-to-be, so it felt very natural when we agreed on an exclusive launch together. I am so honored to be on their platform - they have such a beautifully curated selection of bridal looks and evening wear and it's been exciting to see how the clients have responded to the collection so far. For my next collection, I've designed a larger offering in both the bridal and demi-couture collections, using some extremely special fabrics from Europe. Clients can expect more color, whimsical beading, and playful silhouettes. I am so excited to share Spring 2024 soon!

[Photos by Justin Marquis]