Woman of Substance Alexis Barbara Isaias Discusses New Summer Collection

Alexis Barbara Isaias launched her new Miami-based womenswear line, ALEXIS, in 2009 as the perfect travel wardrobe. Now, she just launched a collection with The Outnet for summer. ALEXIS is now sold in more than 250 stores, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and readying to move into a 20,000-square-foot warehouse. Haute Living sat down with the young designer to find out about the new collection, her inspiration and what pieces are perfect for a warm-weather weekend trip.

HL: What was your starting point for this collection?
AB: I was thinking that women are finishing winter and wearing all those dark colors, sweaters, so I wanted to make some sexy, easier styles to slip on. I’m all about transitional pieces that can go from day to night, so I brought in a lot of lace and things that can be worn many ways. There are dresses you can wear with flats during the day and then with heels at night. That makes it easy when you’re packing and heading to the islands in Europe or the Caribbean.

HL: Travel was the genesis of your brand, wasn’t it?
AB: It was! I travel a lot, I travel with my girls a lot, and we go all over the world. Last year, we explored Morocco and it was so inspirational—seeing the different textures, the colors, the traditions, the culture, everything. The different palettes of the colors—on clothing, on the buildings and the different materials they use to construct them. It wound up on our mood boards, and was our inspiration for this season.

HL: What do you think is the most important thing in a piece of clothing when you’re designing it, like what is the most important aspect?
AB: To me, the most important is the fit. I really fight and work hard to have the perfect fit. I think when you put something on and it fits perfect, you automatically feel beautiful. And when you feel beautiful, you look beautiful.