I always try to keep my gowns timeless and fashion forward - Alon Livne
Helen Rodrigues is renowned for its carefully selected, exclusive collection of exquisite luxury bridal gowns from the most innovative and sought-after international designers around the globe. One brand which has become a highly desired favourite among Australian brides for the past year is Alon Livne White, and so we decided to speak with the designer himself for some exclusive details about the inspiration behind his designs and what we can expect next.
He’s Israel’s most prestigious fashion designer and is favoured by celebrities and fashionistas worldwide; but according to Alon Livne, it was just something that has always been a part of him.
“My mom says that ever since I was a little boy I would draw models in gowns and that absolutely nothing has changed,” he says. His inspiration however, appears to have come from a few different sources.
“On the one hand, I absolutely adored old Hollywood starlets and icons like Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth and Katharine Hepburn. On the other hand, I was always fascinated by the women of punk-rock like Siouxsie Sioux and Grace Jones. I think this strange, contrasted, mix of inspirations made me the designer I am today.”
At the age of 17, Alon Livne began working in premiere luxury European fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen in London and Roberto Cavalli in Florence, before winning first place in the Israeli version of Project Runway. In high demand following this, he then went out on his own and since 2013 has regularly shown collections at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week which attract much attention far and wide.
“I always try to keep my gowns timeless and fashion forward, never relying on trends and what other people do,” he says, with regards to what defines him as a designer. “When you come to see my designs, you come to be unique and original.”
This is probably why celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Lea Michele, Beyonce and Lady Gaga are all firm fans of Alon Livne and wear his luxurious gowns often. When asked if there are any other stars he would love to work with, the designer is quick to answer:
“I would absolutely love to work with Solange Knowles, I just love her style and overall attitude.”
His outstanding bridal line ‘Alon Livne White’ has also been a global sensation and something that came about quite naturally for the designer.
“I think that ever since I started designing ready-to-wear collections I had white gowns that were really focused towards bridalwear, it was just something I always felt I needed to do,” he says. “I'm now seeing the two lines coming closer in terms of aesthetic, vision and design.”
In the designer’s own words, the Alon Livne bride is “stunning, timeless, bold and original” and we couldn’t agree more.
“I love getting to design gowns that are basically dreams-come-true for women. A lot of girls come up to me and say that they imagined how their wedding gown would be ever since they were little, and that my designs make their childhood fantasy a reality.”
And so what can we expect next from the talented designer?
“With my new 2018 collection I'm really trying to focus on clean, simple designs with unique shapes and details. Kind of stepping away from the over-the-top, sexy-sheer look that has been taking over the bridal scene lately. I think you can expect something truly original and authentic.”
Well we certainly can’t wait and bet our brides can’t either.
Alon Livne White is available exclusively in Australia at Helen Rodrigues. A special Alon Livne Trunk Show will also be taking place this November. Appointments are essential so to book your place, or for any enquiries, please phone the boutique on 02 9904 5700.
For more detail on Alon Livne and his designs visit his website here.
