Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra
Born1983
NationalityFrench-American
OccupationClothing designer

Joseph Altuzarra (born 1983), is a French-American luxury women's ready-to-wear clothing designer. He launched his brand, Altuzarra, in New York in 2008. His brand is influenced by his multicultural upbringing and his international education in fashion. His design of a women's evening gown was featured on the runway of the 2019 Met Gala evening.

Early life and education

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Altuzarra was born in 1983 in Paris, to a Chinese-American mother and a French father. His parents are both investment bankers.[1] He spent his childhood in Paris’ 7th arrondissement.[2] As a boy he studied ballet for eight years.[3]

Altuzarra graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Art and Art History. Upon heading to New York, he interned at Marc Jacobs before his post at Proenza Schouler. Seeking to further enhance his technical construction skills, Altuzarra then apprenticed with patternmaker Nicolas Caïto, the former head of the Rochas atelier. He later returned to Paris, working as first assistant to Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci.[1]

Altuzarra

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In its early years, the Altuzarra brand was self-financed with help from Altuzarra’s family; his mother Karen served as the company's CEO.[4] The first collection was picked up by Dover Street Market, Ikram and Barneys New York.[5]

In the following years, Altuzarra collaborated on collections with J. Crew (2012)[6] and Target (2014).[7]

From 2013 to 2020, Kering held a minority stake in the brand.[8][9]

Since 2017, Altuzarra’s studio has been based in New York's Woolworth Building.[10]

In 2017, Altuzarra announced that it would present its runway show to Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2018 season with plans to show there indefinitely.[11] After showing in Paris for four years, Altuzarra settled back in New York in 2021.[12]

In 2019, Altuzarra's design of a women's all gold, full-length evening gown was worn by Awkwafina at the 2019 Met Gala whom he accompanied on the runway and entrance staircase on the evening of the event.[13]

In 2022, Altuzarra launched a second line, Altu.[14]

In 2024, New York-based investment firm P180 took a minority stake in Altuzarra.[15]

Also in 2024, Altuzarra teamed with home furnishings brand Kravet Couture on a collection of home textiles and wall coverings.[16]

Other activities

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In 2020, Altuzarra was one of the judges in season 1 of Amazon's Making the Cut.

Personal life

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Altuzarra has been married to real estate investor Seth Weissman since 2014.[17] They welcomed their first child, Emma, in 2019.[18]

Awards

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Year Title
2014 CFDA Award
2013 Crain's New York Business 40 Under 40
2013 US Woolmark Prize Winner
2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear Design
2012 Forbes 30 Under 30
2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award
2010 Out 100 Vanguard of the Year
2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star of the Year
2010 Ecco Domani Award

References

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  1. ^ a b "Joseph Altuzarra - Voguepedia". Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  2. ^ Jessica Iredale (31 August 2017), Behind Altuzarra’s Move to Paris Women's Wear Daily.
  3. ^ Horyn, Cathy (26 April 2013). "For Altuzarra, a Ballet Debut". New York Times. New YOrk City, United States. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  4. ^ Vanessa Friedman (20 June 2012), Mum’s the word for designers Financial Times.
  5. ^ Jessica Iredale and Miles Socha (6 September 2013), Kering Takes Stake in Altuzarra Women's Wear Daily.
  6. ^ Eric Wilson (17 April 2012), The Preppy Sets Sail in the Riviera New York Times.
  7. ^ Ruth La Ferla (6 August 2014), Target’s Newest Dance Partner? Joseph Altuzarra New York Times.
  8. ^ Jessica Iredale and Miles Socha (6 September 2013), Kering Takes Stake in Altuzarra Women's Wear Daily.
  9. ^ Booth Moore (10 February 2024), Joseph Altuzarra Is Going Intimate for His 15th Anniversary Show Women's Wear Daily.
  10. ^ Vanessa Friedman (12 February 2017), Joseph Altuzarra Is Craving a Kind of Armor New York Times.
  11. ^ Jessica Iredale (31 August 2017), Behind Altuzarra’s Move to Paris Women's Wear Daily.
  12. ^ Booth Moore (10 February 2024), Joseph Altuzarra Is Going Intimate for His 15th Anniversary Show Women's Wear Daily.
  13. ^ Forbes magazine. 6 May 2019. "The Best-Dressed Celebrities on the Met Gala 2019 Red Carpet". By Celia Shatzman. [1]
  14. ^ Diana Tsui (4 January 2022), With His New Line, Joseph Altuzarra Honors His Teen Self T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
  15. ^ David Moin (14 October 2024), Exclusive: Brendan Hoffman’s P180 Takes Stake in Altuzarra, Plans Rental Service Women's Wear Daily.
  16. ^ Emily Mercer (15 November 2024), Altuzarra Teams With Kravet Couture Women's Wear Daily.
  17. ^ Seth Weissman, Joseph Altuzarra New York Times, 19 October 2014.
  18. ^ Diana Tsui (4 January 2022), With His New Line, Joseph Altuzarra Honors His Teen Self T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
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