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Fashion Talks 2014: Joseph Altuzarra

Where: FIAF Other details: Last night, FIAF Fashion Talks presented a discussion with designer Joseph Altuzarra. The event was moderated by Pamela Golbin (Chief Curator of Fashion and Textiles at Les Arts Decoratifs in Paris) with special guest Mark Holgate (Fashion News Director at Vogue). In less than six years, the Paris-born recipient of the 2011 CFDA award has skyrocketed through the fashion industry ranks. "I felt like I had something specific to say. The idea behind the company really started with the women we wanted to dress." Inspired by elegant icons such as Catherine Deneuve, Altuzarra gravitated towards the sultry, refined sexiness of the modern, sophisticated woman. Despite the fame, the designer remains humble, often answering questions with "we" instead of "I." When Golbin curiously asked, "Who is 'we'?", Altuzarra responded simply, "I don't say 'I.' 'We' is my team." The designer was full of charming anecdotes (the time he lost his suitcase packed with his entire collection on the way to meet Anna Wintour for the first time) and glib, cheeky comments ("Where do you see yourself in 6 years?" "Hopefully, still here.") However, the designer's business savvy was evident. His decision to launch his line in the recession-laden era made him increasingly conscious of the realities of the industry. Consequently, the growth and expansion of his company has occurred in a "responsible way." When asked how he defined success, Altuzarra answered: "I think success is being happy." [Mark Holgate, Joseph Altuzarra, Pamela Golbin via @guestofaguest]