parisian party

photo: Olivier Lalin

When I decided to start this new tête-à-tête feature, I knew that the first person that I wanted to interview would be couturier Reinaldo Alvarez. I fell in love with Reinaldo at the very first Paris Salon de Mariage that I went to at the Carrousel du Louvre almost 8 years ago. Amidst all of the fluff, feathers and girlie frou-frou that many of the French bridal designers were catering to at the time, here was a collection that was  chic, sophisticated and elegant- clearly designed for a woman. I had an opportunity to meet him not too long after that first show, and was completely smitten with his sense of humor and Latin charm. I’ve been stalking him ever since…

Reinaldo Alvarez was born in Bayamon Puerto Rico. He studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design and FIT in New York, and worked extensively on 7th Avenue (including designing accessories for Oscar de la Renta) before taking the leap and moving to Paris. He opened his atelier in the Marais nearly 10 years ago, and a second showroom off the Rue Rivoli several years later.  We met in his atelier, which, like his designs, is chic, sleek and devoid of any unnecessary fussiness. After a quick coffee and a bit of “off-the-record” gossip, we got down to the business at hand:

parisian party: Describe the Reinaldo Alvarez style.

reinaldo alvarez: A client once defined my dresses as “the definitive fusion between elegance and simplicity”, and I think that’s true. I like to say that my designs are Timeless. For me, it’s important that a bride doesn’t look at her wedding photos in 20 years, and think that she looks “outdated”.

pp: Who do you design for?

ra: The Reinaldo Alvarez client is the BCBG Parisienne who is “allergique” to lace, rhinestones, beads, tulle and feathers. She wants a beautiful dress in a beautiful fabric that is simple as possible.

pp: So what fabrics do you work in?

ra: I love working in Silk Dupion, Silk Gazar, Organza jacquard… Elegant fabrics that are easy to sculpt.

pp: In addition to your wedding gowns, you also have a strong collection of cocktail and evening wear…

ra: It’s a very contemporary collection, comprised of elegant and practical pieces that go from day to night with a simple change of accessories. It has unique textures and embroidery as decoration. Skirts, pants and jackets are combined with very large, very modern silhouettes. These are simple, elegant looks for cocktail, Mother of The Bride or even Civil wedding ceremonies.

pp: …I think that a lot of them could even work for bridesmaid dresses…

ra: Yes, for the British or American brides for their témoins.

pp: What is the process for ordering a Reinaldo Alvarez piece?

ra: Our dresses are made to order, and typically take 3 fittings. We work with a client to give her the dress she wants- if she wants this style, in this fabric, with this length… She can change whatever she likes.

pp: And how long does it take to receive the final piece.

ra: From start to finish, around 6 or 7 months.

pp: Finally, who is your Parisian style icon- who do you think defines the Parisian woman?

ra: That’s simple- For me, it’s Anna Mouglalis. No explanation needed!

At the forefront of couture wedding design for some time now in Paris, Reinaldo Alvarez is being sought after more and more by stylish American brides who are searching for a uniquely Parisian look for their wedding day.  Appointments at his atelier at 9, rue Jarente, 75004, can be made by phoning +33 1 42 77 66 51, or by visiting his website at www.reinaldo-alvarez.com