A great wardrobe starts with a collection of great basics. They should be versatile enough to pair with your favorite trousers or midi skirts, last for more than a couple of wears, and be relatively affordable. Alix (a.k.a. fashion stylists’ secret weapon) meets all those criteria with its range of sleek, flattering, and minimal bodysuits. Known for its beautifully constructed one-pieces that come in various colors and luxe fabrics, Alix is the brainchild of Alexandra Alvarez, the New YorkCity–based designer who launched the label two years ago.

The Parsons grad decided to take on the bodysuit when she couldn’t find the perfect top to pair with the bottoms she designed during her senior year. The result is a line of cool, foolproof garments that work seamlessly with everything in your closet, from voluminous skirts to wide-legged pants. “I wanted to make bodysuits a staple for every woman’s wardrobe, not a ‘wear once’ statement piece,” says Alvarez. Beloved by Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid, the brand expanded to slip dresses and recently released swimwear this summer. We sat down with the designer to chat about the direction of her brand, how to wear a bodysuit, and why confidence is key when it comes to style.

photo: formal dresses on sale

Why did you decide to start Alix?

"Everything started when I was searching for a cool bodysuit to style with some bottoms I made during my senior year at Parsons. I realized that they literally had gone extinct, and there was no contemporary brand that offered them. After I graduated, while I was in the process of interviews and applying for jobs, I started drawing different variations that felt modern but still timeless. It was then that I knew I was onto something and began to pursue starting my own brand. I saw the serious need for sleek, modern, and versatile bodysuits in the market, and I steered Alix in that direction."

Do you have advice on how to wear a bodysuit?

"The possibilities are endless! That’s what’s so great about bodysuits. You can wear one of my classics with denim and a blazer for fall or switch it up with a maxiskirt and flat sandals in the summer. The beautiful thing is seeing how everyone has the opportunity to add their personal style to each suit and always make it work."

Luxury basics have been making a comeback. Why do you think this is so?

"Everyone loves statement pieces. But when it comes to what women feel they need or rather spend money on, it's investment pieces—a.k.a. luxury basics. There’s something special about getting a piece of clothing that feels luxurious and timeless but also you know you can wear it in so many different ways. Quality, fit, and versatility are everything. I feel that people are shopping differently and are more conscious of making smarter purchases. It’s important for women to have staples in their closets, or 'go-to pieces' as I call them. For me, I realized that bodysuits can be a go-to piece with incredible versatility."

So you’ve conquered the bodysuit and the slip dress. What is next on your list?

"I’ve been focused on finding the right fit and figuring out bodysuits for four years now. I think the next step for me that feels organic is swimsuits. They are very similar products, and what I love most about designing bodysuits is how much I can connect with women and the way they feel about themselves. My mother always ingrained in me that confidence is beauty despite what you wear. I love the idea of empowering women by creating a product that makes them feel beautiful inside and out. Hopefully with the swimsuits I can continue to do this!"

Read more: http://www.angelemall.co.nz/prom-dresses-online.html