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Interview with Hallie Shaw

Hallie Shaw
Hallie Shaw
SVP
A.L.C.
A.L.C.

We are a design-led brand with an emphasis on styling versatility
The Andrea Lieberman Collection, also known as ‘A.L.C.’, was founded in 2008 by sought-after celebrity stylist Andrea Lieberman to address a multi-generational need for accessible, high-quality capsule wardrobing. The Los Angeles-based, women-led brand hails from New York, making it fluent in fast-paced living with a confident, laid-back attitude. Since its inception, A.L.C. has established a unique proposition as a design-led organisation offering considered classics with a modern twist that empower women to easily adapt to their own personal style. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, SVP Hallie Shaw talks about A.L.C.’s latest partnership with Archive and SuperCircle for the ALConscious resale and recycling programme.

What are some key trends or innovations in fashion technology that you find particularly exciting or promising?

The innovations in yarns and fabrications are exciting—whether from organic sources like pineapple fibres or from upcycled waste products, for example we have utilised yarns generated from reclaimed ocean plastic.
 

How do you view the intersection of fashion and technology, such as the rise of online shopping and virtual fashion shows?

There are so many exciting developments at the intersection of fashion and technology, but we are most excited at the way it enables us to connect more deeply with our customers on both a personal and a community level.

The resale and second-hand fashion market has been growing rapidly. What do you think is driving this trend, and how can brands adapt to the changing landscape?

We feel it is important to offer our community ways to connect and extend the lifecycle of pieces that may no longer serve their needs but can offer value to other members of the community. While we strive to offer timeless wardrobe building blocks, the nature of personal expression through fashion necessarily shifts, and its empowering for brands and consumers to be able to experience newness without generating excess waste.

A.L.C. aims to create versatile, beautifully crafted staples for women’s wardrobes. What sets your brand apart from others in the fashion industry?

Our Los Angeles-based, women-led brand hails from New York, making it fluent in fast-paced living with a confident, laid-back attitude. Since its inception, A.L.C. has established a unique proposition as a design-led organisation offering considered classics with a modern twist. The brand is passionate about empowering women to easily adapt the pieces into their own personal style. Innovative use of colour and prints, unique silhouettes with bold details, and a modern take on timeless tailoring, are just a few of the elements that define the brand every season. Each collection is built on a foundation of exclusive fabrications, best-in-class construction, and considered design.

A.L.C. partners with various female-led organisations. Could you share some examples of these partnerships and the impact they have had?

When Andrea Lieberman founded A.L.C., she spent time travelling the globe and was particularly inspired by female co-operatives in Africa and the level of support that these women offered each other. She knew that this approach needed to be part of the foundation when building A.L.C. We have worked with other female founded brands such as Parachute, Tamara Mellon, Bandier, and most recently Amanu as these women particularly resonated with Andrea and their products felt like a natural extension of A.L.C.

A.L.C. is known for its classics with a modern twist. Can you share some insights into the design process and how you balance timeless style with contemporary elements?

We are a design-led brand with an emphasis on styling versatility. We are always focused on serving women at every stage of their lives with real, wearable clothes that offer polish and confidence, so they feel empowered to be their best selves.

Could you highlight a flagship product or a project that you are particularly proud of? Why it is significant for your company?

Our A.L.C. Signatures, a thoughtfully curated selection of seasonless closet essentials, which include a tailored jacket, cocktail dress, structured jumpsuit, tailored trouser, and a cotton top are central to Andrea’s founding inspiration. Refined, beautifully crafted and anything-but-basic, each piece boasts subtle details, making them timeless wardrobe heroes.

How do you approach sustainability in terms of fabric choices, production methods, and ethical considerations?

We strive to make sustainable choices wherever we can, whether sourcing upcycled yarns or working with artisan collectives that empower local communities or producing with LA-based female run factories.

What motivated A.L.C. to partner with Archive and SuperCircle for the ALConscious resale and recycling programme?

“A.L.C. has always been anchored by a sense of community, and this programme is an extension of us caring for, empowering and being accountable to our community,” according to Andrea Lieberman, Founder and Creative Director, A.L.C. “From empowering female artisans to upcycling vintage denim, we are constantly striving to make responsible choices. By launching ALConscious, we are inviting our customers to expand their wardrobe, not their footprint.”

What are some of the key objectives and goals you hope to achieve through the ALConscious programme?

We hope to empower our customers to extend the lifecycle of their clothing and reduce waste in landfills by working together as a community.

Can you provide examples of some iconic A.L.C. pieces that customers can find in the shop REVIVED section of your platform?

The Connor tailored pant, Wilder jumpsuit, Sienna satin halter dress, Caspian knit cardigan are all seasonless classics that are great wardrobe staples.

Looking ahead, what exciting developments or projects can we expect from A.L.C. in the near future?

Continued support around A.L.Conscious and upcoming female centric partnerships.

Fashion has a significant influence on culture and society. How can fashion brands use their platform to address important issues and promote positive change?

With thoughtful partnerships, supporting individuals who are striving to make change in the word, and aligning with charitable organisations.

Finally, in your opinion, what role should fashion brands play in creating a more sustainable and circular economy?

For us it is important to champion sustainable initiatives wherever we can. We are proud to be offering our community the opportunity to be more circular with A.L.C. pieces.
Published on: 08/11/2023

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.