Q&A: Joseph Altuzarra Presents Spring 2016 Collection at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables

Maria Soler-Dubreuil, Ana S, Samantha Shurafa, Joseph Altuzarra, Laeticia Huss, & Lejla Szabo
Coral Gables, FL – November 10, 2015 – It was an afternoon of exploring the latest trends as Neiman Marcus Coral Gables hosted Creative Director Joseph Altuzarra, of ALTUZARRA, for an exclusive lunch and fashion show. Joseph presented his Spring 2016 Collection to over 40 guests, including hosts, Gianconda Baltodana, Evangeline Delgado, and Jenine Howard.
World Red Eye was able to catch up with Altuzarra, where he told us a bit about how he first got his start in the fashion world, as well as what we can find him doing when he visits Miami.

Joseph Altuzarra
WRE: How did you first get your start in design?
JA: I entered design in an unconventional way. I didn’t study design at school, but instead took up Art History at Swarthmore. When I decided to go into fashion, I interned at Marc Jacobs and later worked for Proenza Schouler and Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy to gain experience, as well as apprenticing for a pattern maker, before starting my own brand.
The Altuzarra woman has a pragmatic approach to dressing.
Joseph Alturzarra
WRE: Has your culture had an influenced your brand/design aesthetic?
JA: Growing up in Paris with a multicultural background (my mother is American-Chinese, and my father is French) has definitely informed Altuzarra’s aesthetic. The Altuzarra woman has a pragmatic approach to dressing, that feels very American, with a seductive and sexy outlook, which is quite French.
WRE: Where do you look for inspiration for each collection?
JA: It varies from season to season, from books to films. For Spring for example, I was inspired by exploring the Basque side of my heritage, along with celebrating the beauty and rawness of certain natural materials and textures.
WRE: What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
JA: There have been many, but being able to grow, cultivate and work with a fantastic team has definitely been rewarding.

Joseph Altuzarra, Samantha Shurafa, & Lejla Szabo
WRE: What do you like to do when you are in Miami?
JA: I like to relax, and explore new restaurants, and if I’m in town in December, check out Design Miami and Art Basel.

Samantha Shurafa, Lejla Szabo, Joseph Altuzarra, Laeticia Huss, Maria Soler-Dubreuil, & Ana S

Samantha Shurafa, Lejla Szabo, Laeticia Huss, Maria Soler-Dubreuil, & Ana S

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

Evangeline Delgado & Joseph Altuzarra

Alexandra Alonso, Gioconda Baltodana, & Christina Termine

Gioconda Baltodana, Jenine Howard, Joseph Altuzarra, & Evangeline Delgado

Jenine Howard, Tomi Rose, Travis Cal, Amaris Jones, & Nichole Levy

Martha Rosales, Joseph Altuzarra, Gioconda Baltodana, Julia Pineda, & Alexandra Alonso

Katharine Rubino, Evangeline Delgado, Joseph Altuzarra, Jenine Howard & Gioconda Baltodana

Jenine Howard, Gioconda Baltodana, Evangeline Delgado, & Joseph Altuzarra

Tomi Rose, Travis Cal, & Jenine Howard

Amaris Jones & Jenine Howard

Brandy Coletta & Amaris Jones

Christina Termine & Stuart Barnes

Isabella Stanzione & Alessandra Kruger

Joseph Altuzarra & Ana Hughes

Katie Jackson, Joseph Altuzarra, & Shana Kaufman

Krishnna Bowe, Evangeline Delgado, & Nathalie Tordion

Michelle Canto, Carolina Arellano, & Ilse Brenner

Michelle Canto, Eugenia Hogan, Carolina Argiz Orozco & Carolina Arellano

Travis Cal, Jenine Howard, & Amaris Jones