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One look at the collections of Alexis Bittar will tell you a lot about the man behind the magic. His bold use of form and vibrant colors shout “look at me,” in an imposing Brooklyn dialect. His creations convey a vivid joy for life, with a twist of attitude. And who ever said that a little attitude is a bad thing? Certainly not the exclusive club of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. After years of working the grindstone, Bittar is finally reaping the benefits. On Monday, June 7, 2010, Alexis Bittar became the newest recipient of the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award.
It’s been a long ride from the designer’s early days, making jewelry in his Brooklyn bedroom. Bittar is something of a phenomenon in the design world. Having received no formal training, Alexis set up shop in the early Nineties, selling his wares on a corner in lower Manhattan. His work caught the attention of Dawn Mello, the Fashion Director of Bergdorf Goodman, who helped the budding designer find his feet in the world of fashion retail. Since then it has been a steady uphill climb, leading to a membership with the CFDA in 2005.
Alexis Bittar CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year
Part of Bittar’s appeal is his refusal to bow to convention. When the rest of the fashion world was stuck in the Minimalist trend, Bittar ran in the other direction, with chunky structures and bright hues. The materials he uses are not standard; liquid metals and Bakelite are the bases for his art. Each piece is crafted and painted by hand; the process may be lengthy but his products are a higher standard than their mass-produced counterparts. His Lucite collection has become a favorite with the celebrity set and has been spotted gracing the wrists of A-list stars like Cameron Diaz.
Despite his success, Bittar retains his independence; he is self made and intends to stay that way. Following his win at the 2010 CFDA fashion awards, jewelry enthusiasts look with eager eyes to what new designs will come forth from Bittar’s East Coast factory. Well done Mr. Alexis Bittar; invention and perseverance have won the day.
Alexis Bittar necklace picture is from: http://alexisbittar.com/
