At the Altman Building Sunday September 13, 2009 8:30 pm on the dot, the lights go out then silence…eager and ready to view young designer Alexander Berardi first official New York Fashion Week showing, with his Spring/Summer 2010 collection! I was more than pleased to be an attendance. Halfway through Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berardi’s collection is viewed at such location. Stunning fresh faced models walk down the runway. Simplicity at its best with what seemed like an almost effortless elegance vibe to this Ready-to-Wear Berardi collection. The first couple looks to walk down the runway all white, scarf draped blouses, and a couple of satin shorts ensembles. As I continue to absorb it all I realize that some of the outfits that I see are very 1920-1930 inspired. Chiffon tiered dresses, and drop waist dresses but with a sense of modernism. A delicate polka dot mini dress and a floral print sway dress added to the array of whites and amongst those were my favorites, the navy blue sailor dresses. Paired up with floppy and sailor hats combined the perfect touch to these nautical looks. To add some shimmer and spice to this evening, the show closed off with a silver sequined cardigan and silver sequined drape dresses paired with tuxedo blazers. A successful evening! (oh! and did I forget to mention…fabrics all natural and eco friendly!)
About Alexander Berardi:
Alexander Berardi, 23, was born and raised in Hurley, NY. Much like his personal style, his childhood home, built in the 1700’s was timeless and classic, an inspiration that he still draws upon today for his designs.
Cutting his teeth with an apprenticeship with Kenneth Cole while taking classes at Parsons, Berardi decided to try his luck and create his own company before even graduating. He began sketching several designs and came up with a dress that he felt was worthy of production.
He went up and down 38th Street in the heart of New York’s garment district to find a pattern maker willing to take on a new unknown designer. After much searching, he found one and House of Berardi was born.
Kenneth Cole, who describes Berardi as “the champion of giving back,” gave him a wealth of knowledge not only about the industry itself, but how to run a long-lasting tremendously successful business while still remaining true to your self – a philosophy that House of Berardi strives to follow today.
Alexander Berardi is sold at Debut and Factoriem in New York City.
Images source: Our friend Yale Goodman
