Women's
Conversation With: Andrea Lieberman of A.L.C.
A.L.C.
Andrea Lieberman debuted her A.L.C. ready-to-wear collection in 2009. Comprised of daring silhouettes, chic separates and go-to basics, A.L.C. brings a new perspective to the needs of a modern wardrobe. After graduating with a fashion degree from Parsons School of Design, and several years of world travel, Lieberman returned to New York City and opened Culture and Reality, a retail store. The store became a cult sensation and segued her into the world of styling. Her clients include Gwen Stefani, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez, among others. Lieberman will debut her jewelry collection this Fall.
Lieberman with a model in Pre-Fall 2012.
NM: You have an incredible eye for design and style. What do you attribute this to?
AL: I have been lucky enough to have had some amazing life experiences. My extensive travels have been a huge point of reference and inspiration over the years. As a stylist I was also able to work with many of my design heroes and was able to see and touch incredibly crafted couture and ready-to-wear garments.
NM: You’ve been successful in retail and styling. What made you decide to start designing?
AL: Designing was always my ultimate goal. I went to Parsons with that in mind and spent a lot of my styling career designing costumes for tours. It felt very natural to start A.L.C.
NM: Why have you chosen to forego runway presentations thus far?
AL: Every decision I have made has been an instinctual one. Whether it is following the path of least or most resistance, it has always come from my gut and from what feels right at the time. When I began A.L.C. it was more important for me to define my brand and give my customer what she wanted with a certain purity that comes from not feeling the pressure of having to make a statement on the runway. When I feel the time is right, I completely look forward to the exciting process.
NM: How do you see the collection evolving?
AL: My biggest challenge with the collection is to be creative in the process while remaining completely in sync with our girl and our customer. Moving forward for Resort, my goal is to maintain our level of sophistication while bringing in a certain level of casual ease.
A.L.C. S/S 2012
I am always striving to make a collection that can serve as a full wardrobe. Whether our girl is packing for a trip to St. Tropez, going out on a date or spending a relaxing Saturday afternoon with friends when she reaches into her closet, I want her to want to pull out a piece of A.L.C.
We also just launched jewelry, and I am hoping to branch out into other categories in the near future.
NM: What do you consider the ultimate craftsmanship?
AL: There is nothing like a Chanel couture dress.
NM: Tell us about your ideal day in L.A.
AL: Loading the kids in the car and going out to Malibu to hang out at the beach.
Lieberman with her daughter Paloma.
NM: Tell us your favorite things in Los Angeles…
To do: Sunday morning farmer’s market.
To eat: Truffle pizza at E Baldi.
To wear: Skinny jeans, striped tee, and sunglasses, either Celine or Ray-Ban.
NM: Don’t leave Los Angeles without…
AL: Taking a sunset drive up PCH and scouring through some vintage shops.
A.L.C. is sold in Neiman Marcus stores.
