Above the Fray

We discover hands down the best take on the military trend from Aussie label, ALZOLA

There wouldn’t be any lonely hearts in Sergeant Pepper’s band, if they were all wearing ALZOLA jackets.

…They’re guaranteed to raise a smile
So may I introduce to you…

To a new Australian label, founded by designer Anna-Lisa Nudler, ALZOLA. With her debut collection of hand-made tailored jackets, Nudler has absolutely nailed the military trend this season.

Every attention to detail has been considered meticulously from slinky silk linings to the golden metallic hardware. The cuts are superbly streamlined and fitted to perfection with just the right amount of wearable edginess. Even the names of the styles call for a 21 gun salute: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Echo, Delta… These jackets are certainly holding the military trend at attention and in global demand.

Above the Fray’s Anna Coroneo talks with designer Anna-Lisa Nudler to get the inside scoop on how this young designer has mastered the military trend with such inimitable perfection.

As The Beatles would sing… We hope you will enjoy the show!

Anna Coroneo: What is your background? Why did you start designing?

Anna-Lisa Nudler: I started designing so I could create clothes that I’d always dreamt of but couldn’t find anywhere. I have always custom made pieces and it got to the point where I had such positive feedback that I realized there was a niche in the market for what I wanted to do.

AC: What is the meaning of the name ALZOLA?

AN: ALZOLA doesn’t have a direct translation but is of Spanish heritage. I’ve spent time in Spain, I have extremely fond memories of my time there and it has special meaning to me. From the first time I heard it, the word truly stuck in my mind so when the time came to decide on a name, it was a perfect fit! To me the word is strong and that’s one of the reasons why I love it.

AC: Can you paint a picture of the kind of women who wears your jackets? When/where would she wear your jackets?

AN:The women who wear my jackets are strong, confident and fashion forward and they search for clothing that stands out. This collection has covered a variety of styles resulting in pieces that can be worn to a premiere, dinner with friends, or just out and about on the weekend. The collection is designed so you can go all out and dress them up, or pair them with a white T, pair of jeans and a great heel. The choice is yours!

AC: What are you currently inspired by? Can you give a hint as to what’s next?

AN: As you can probably tell I'm currently inspired by a military aesthetic and embellishments. It's not just a current inspiration but has been an influence for as long as I can remember. I set out to create a fusion of sharp tailoring, structured lines and authentic military elements in order to create truly unique jackets. As for what's next, you'll have to wait and see but I can assure you it will be bold, structured and all things ALZOLA.

AC: What makes your jackets special?

AN:For me, it would be the fact that the jackets are more than just military inspired. They’ve been recontextualized, but keep their military aesthetic with authentic embellishments. From the metal cast buttons, to the hand made epaulettes, to the 100% silk lining, everything is of the highest quality and no detail has been overlooked.

AC: You’re also a stylist. How has this helped your design work/ business? What would you wear with your jackets/how would you style them?

AN:Having worked as a stylist has helped in understanding my market and my customer. Being able to pin point where there is a market and knowing what else it out there. I love to see how my customers choose to wear my designs, it is all about individual expression. For me personally, I wear them with skinny jeans, a vintage rock T and killer heels (the higher the better)!

AC: Do you think that being an Australian designer gives you an edge in the international fashion arena?

 AN: There is such a buzz about Australian designers at the moment and a lot of support for Australian design. I feel that Australia has a very unique sense of style, so understanding that style/attitude along with that of the international arena is hugely beneficial.

AC: What are your current obsessions?

 

AN:Oh that’s a tough one, there are so many! I'd have to say impossibly sky-high heels, Bakelite telephones and old Motown records. For food it would be Wow Cow – Australia’s answer to the frozen yoghurt phenomenon. And as always any film starring Cary Grant!

http://www.alzolafashion.com/

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