What I love about Al & Alicia is that it strikes a nice balance between feminine and masculine, hard and soft, laid back and dressed up. It isn’t a label that sits in the middle of all of these things. Instead it brings inspiration from both sides to create uncomplicated and truly wearable clothes. We were happy to invite Alicia Ong, designer for Al & Alicia, to participate in our Designer Interview Series.

Paper-Doll: How did you get into fashion design?
Al & AliciaIt’s hard to say when or how it happened. I guess I liked to illustrate lots, especially on Fashion, took up a course and it just happened from there!

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)?
It was a dress made entirely out of pleated organza and elastic bands without any zip or button closure.

When did you launch your own label?
AL&ALICIA launched in 2009.

What inspires you / your work?
There is never a fixed starting point. I’m mostly inspired by what I see and experience around me and thoughts start to develop off an idea, an image, a conversation or a story. The process is then nourished by every piece of input from the team that works with me and we continue the process by putting the fabrication, color stories and intricate details together.

Describe your Fall’11 Collection.
Our Fall 2011 collection is titled Porcelain and Chinadolls, and features 25 dance-inspired looks that reflect the flow of movement within all dance genres. There’s something about a dancer’s wardrobe that most of us find appealing.

In creating Porcelain and Chinadolls, we were especially taken with the story of a male ballet dancer gaining freedom and acknowledgement in the movie, Mao’s Last Dancer. Everything from whimsical ballet moves to upbeat street dance rhythms came into play in our designs, which you will see manifested in the styles and fabrics used. The result: knit hoodies that can be thrown over porcelain satin blouses and paired with slouchy trousers.

What is your favourite piece from your Fall’11 Collection?
There’s so many pieces that I love…but my favorite would have to be the Bella Dress.

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on Fall’11?
What was playing on my ipod then were songs from Adele, The Crookers, Roisin Murphy, Ellie Goulding and couple of songs from the Cirque Eloize ID Soundtrack.

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
There is nothing better than someone having a positive emotional response to something I have created. And being given the opportunity to meet people we admire or are inspired by.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Sourcing for reliable and quality factories and sample rooms and getting the production process to run smoothly.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
I’m still waiting for that moment…

If you could collaborate with any designer / artist / musician / etc. on a single project, who would it be and what would you do?
I recently caught the Alexander McQueen exhibition in NY and it blew me away. If only we could have a chance to collaborate with McQueen and learn from that crazy amazing talented mind of his. I’d also love to work with the artistic Juergen Teller on shooting one of our campaigns and Kid Robot on producing a cool line of toys for AL&ALICIA.

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
Elle Fanning.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Understated easy chic.

What is your favourite item in your personal wardrobe?
I have an incredibly soft spot for perfectly tailored shirts borrowed from men. And scarves. I love scarves.

Where do you shop for clothes when you're not wearing your own?
Recently I’ve been shopping online quite a bit on Net-a-porter and Asos.com.

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
The PS1 Bag.

What fashion trend would you not be caught dead in?
Animal Prints.

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
I believe in the T-Shirt.

What is your favourite thing about the city you live in? (Singapore)
It’s clean, green and free of pollution (for now).

If you couldn’t be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
If I couldn’t be a designer, I’d still love to be around fashion but in a different way – ie. Working with experienced sample makers and learn the dying trade of pattern cutting and garment construction.

What is next for your label?
We’re planning to break out of the local market if all goes well. A retail store (you heard it first!) and a new menswear line are also on the calendar and we’re planning as we speak. I’m taking slow but steady steps, instead of just plunging into too many things at once and screwing it all up.

Visit: Al & Alicia