REAL TALK WITH

What inspired you to start your own namesake label?

Creating Ala von Auersperg was somewhat of a happy accident. I wanted to make wearable, beautiful clothes for myself and, in doing so, found a following amongst my friends. That said, fashion has always played an integral role in my life. I come from a line of women with their own sense of style. As a child, I visited the Parisian couture houses with my mother, Sunny Crawford von Bülow, and grandmother, Annie Laurie Aitken, and have always been drawn to the magic of custom-made clothing.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your work?

There are many designers who have influenced and inspired me, not only in my work but throughout my life—namely, Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy for their beautiful mastery of design and Ottavio Missoni and Gimmo Etro for their expertise in iconic prints. Additionally, the beauty of nature and tropical gardens has always served as a source of inspiration for my painting and, ultimately, my prints.

Describe your design process for a new collection.

The process of creating my collections is an intimate one for me, with each piece beginning life not as a garment or pattern but an original drawing or painting. I take inspiration for my art from nature and my surroundings—often my tropical home in Antigua—but inspiration is the key. It may come in the form of a plant, a garden, or a shade, but it’s important I feel creatively attached to it. Once finished, I work with my in-house designer to translate my art into a print. From there, we decide on fabrics and that becomes the foundation for our collections.

What’s one piece in your collection every woman should own?

Our Kathe dress is a must-have

REAL TALK WITH... Ala Isham

The heiress, activist, and designer of Ala von Auersperg reflects on her life and art

BY KATHERINE LANDE

New Ala von Auersperg designs include the Pamela silk dress in Angels Trumpet (inset) and Caterina stretch knit top, pants, and skirt in Blue Noisette (right). wardrobe staple. As a versatile shirt dress it has elevated details like oversized cuffs and can be worn as a dress, buttoned to the middle over pants, with or without a belt, and as a bathing suit coverup. As the weather gets hot, the cotton voile fabric is wonderfully soft and luxurious on the skin.

If you weren’t designing clothing, what would be your dream job?

If I wasn’t designing, I’d likely be retired but most certainly would still be painting. I enjoy my work immensely, but my art is something I can do beyond my job, and it’s wonderful.

What’s your favorite charitable organization?

The National Center for Victims of Crime, an organization that provides victims of crime with rights, protection, and services to help them rebuild their lives.

What’s your favorite summer travel destination?

I love everything about Capri—the water, the shopping, eating, swimming. I find myself continually inspired by the architecture, the cobblestone streets, the beautiful doorways, and the blooming bougainvillea every time I visit.