Alexis Bittar incomparable combination of balanced craftsmanship and current street-cred style has taken the concept of jewelry design to an unimaginable new level. His life story creates hope for the ultimate American dream & the simplicity that characterizes his humanity is truly inspiring.
He was born on August 25th, 1968. Originally a curbside vendor, he started selling on the street at the age of 8. From marketing flowers out of a hand-painted cart in Bay Ridge to antique jewelry on Saint Marks. By 1988 he started his own line of jewelry using depression-era glass from the 1920’s with tiny hand-cut chandelier parts and sold them on the corner of Prince & Greene in Soho. Since then, his brilliance continued to expand, selling his designs in Saks Fifth Avenue, designing for Burberry, Tuleh and Michael Kors & since 2001 his collections attract increased attention from the art and fashion worlds. Wholesale accounts expand to more than 500 international and national stores. In 2004, He opened his first store on Broome Street in Soho, 2 blocks away from where it all began.
Today, Bittar is based in Dumbo, where he still designs everything & runs the company’s business side, which includes a staff of around 160. All the brand’s creations are made by hand in the multi-floored studio, in a room of craftspeople who use Bittar’s original (and often unique) techniques, like dotting color on Lucite with methodical fingertip taps.
In an era when leaders are falling and stars are rising, Alexis designs keep breaking the traditional, conventional ways and introduce a new, exquisite approach to accessories. He is with no doubt the greatest and most talented jewelry designer of our time.
XEX takes a bow to a new King.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
1- * What would you tell designers at the Challenging beginning of their careers?
Stick to your guns; I knew that this is what I wanted to do and I never let go of my dream regardless of all the challenges that start ups can bring.
2- * What is the source of your inspiration?
Everything from Grace Jones and the NYC 80’s club scene to the organic elements found in nature, 1960’s Bakelite, the hand craftsmanship found in ancient antiques, and old films….but I need to stay focused…often my biggest problem is that I have too many ideas!
3- * If you were to win the lottery tomorrow & give up designing what would you do?
I could never give up designing. Its my life, it keeps me sane. I have a n incredible team around me and couldn’t be without them. having said that, I would enjoy having more time to travel.
4- * What celebrity (ies) best represents your work & who would you like to see wearing your designs?
I am incredibly fortunate to have a huge celebrity following, from Cameron Diaz to Whitney Houston, Madonna and Alisha keys…they have all been incredibly supportive and loyal to me since the very beginning- I’m very lucky. As for celebrities I would like to see wear my designs- I love Tilda Swinton.
5- * Are your parents creative or were you ever exposed to any creative source growing up?
My parents were both university professors and avid antique collectors. For my 13th birthday, they gave me this massive lot of antique jewelry which sparked my deep fascination with the detailed hand craftsmanship that went into making each piece.
6- * What was the 1st piece you ever made and who wore it? Do you still have it?
The first pieces I ever made were made from Lucite. I created a technique which fused the ideas of turn of the century lalique glass and Bakelite from the 1960’s…. I used to sell them on the street on St Marks and later on Prince Street in Soho. To my surprise, they all sold right away and pretty soon, I had to hire some people to help me in order to keep up with the demand—we hand carved each piece in the bedroom of my tiny apartment. Today I have about 160 employees but the process is the same- every piece is hand-carved right here in our Brooklyn studios. So unfortunately No I don’t still have the first piece, I’m sure it has a nice home.
7- * What is your favorite season, why?
Fall is always fun, people tend to want to wear statement pieces during the festive season, they dress up and adorn themselves for all the holiday parties.this allows me to be extra creative with the designs.
8- * What is on your Ipod?
Anthony and the johnsons, Anthony is a very dear friend of mine.
9- * Your designs for women are amazing. Do you have plans to ever create a collection for Men?
At this stage no, I have been approached many times to start a men’s line—but the truth is, the market is just way too small. We do have many designs however that can be considered unisex. For example the gunmetal grater cuff and the rhodium pyramid pin have been popular with our male customers. The next big step will be fine jewelry…it’s an arena I have always wanted to explore.
10- * Utopia is…
Life as I know it. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love, which is designing… every day!
