Designer Inspiration Board: Alice Ritter

By Jen Smith
March 2, 2010

Fashion editors know designer Alice Ritter always gets it right. Her “re-sees,” where editors and stylists take a closer look at the garments that walked down the runway or were featured in formal presentations, often turn into personal shopping sessions for fashion's most fabulous, who order items for themselves as they simultaneously request them for upcoming fashion shoots. At these sessions, Alice often points out her personal favorites or draws your attention to some interesting detail. “My collections are about what I see girls wearing in the streets of New York City through my French eye. More importantly, it’s what I want to wear!”

Ritter recently previewed her Fall 2010 collection, a romantic, casually stylish lineup filled with wearable, pile 'em on pieces imbued with a touch of geek chic. She spoke to us about her inspirations and chose an unexpected mix of eBay picks.

The Inside Source: Alice, as always, your fall 2010 presentation was full of clothes I want to run out and buy. Tell us something about how you collect your ideas and about what inspires you.

Alice Ritter: It is so difficult to pinpoint inspiration! There are many (ethnic, urban safari, late 70s) and not just one clear story. This collection is actually about personal style. For my last two collections, I have been inspired in a major way by blogs that feature random, chic women… “L’air du Temps!” I wish I could translate it better from the French—“it’s something in the air!”

TIS: So, are you going to give us your blog roll, Alice?

AR: My favorites are Refinery 29, Garance Dore, The Sartorialist and Jak and Jil.

TIS: Besides looking at blogs, are there images or designers you go to again and again? Is there a time period you favor?

AR: I love 80s style of French pop bands Les Rita Mitsouko and Elli and Jacno. And the late 70s always inspire me. Karl Lagerfeld was at Chloe then, and Saint Laurent was the orchestrator of the fashion world. I always have these images in my mind... And I love Sonia Rykiei of the late 1970s—all those loose fitted jersey stripes!

TIS: Do you have a favorite garment from the 70s?

AR: What symbolised this era if not the pants suit!? So I've worked in some high waisted pants, not really to be paired with jackets, even though it could be done! For me, the look of Fall 2010 is a high waist short with a bicolor cape, a key item for fall!!

TIS: We noticed the collection feels soft and romantic.

AR: I love the masculine/feminine contrast, [like] soft, light dresses worn with a masculine trench coat. I've used more chiffon and some soft ruffles. It’s also important for me that colors “feel” comfortable. Dusty pink, dusty shell, rust, shades of grey, and navy blue. New colors for me this season are emerald and blue green.

TIS: Your collections always seem to tell a story through clothing.
Can you tell us about that?

AR: I love Eric Rohmer films, especially "Les Genous de Claire and "Ma Nuit Chez Maud." Rohmer was a master at making stories out of nothing or at least out of ordinary life. His movies have an existentialist quality—a rather detached atmosphere that is very French. I also love the acting/non-acting of the actors. Truffault does the same thing; it's almost as if the characters/actors express, by their non-involvement, that what’s happening is not reality. Rohmer has been criticized in France for being petit bourgeois and for reflecting the problems of people that don't have true life difficulties. He had an elitist point of view. It's true, but this is very French as well!! My recent favorite and probably the next inspiration for my up coming SS11 collection, is "Les Nuits de la Pleine Lune."

TIS: I thought I had seen every Eric Rohmer movie, but I guess I missed one!

AR: You should buy a DVD from eBay! I like “Les Nuit de la Pleine Lune” in particular because I am obsessed with Pascale Ogier, a cult French actress who died very young. Her character is so chic and freewheeling! Plus Dorothee Bis dresses her in the movie!

TIS: Now for a loaded question: What about eBay? Anything there?

AR: Of course!! I have to be careful, however, because the thrill of winning an auction can carry me a little over budget.

TIS: Just a little? What gets you in trouble?

AR: Well, I hunt for rare, vintage 80s designers like Dorothee Bis, Azzedine Alaia, Yves St Laurent, and Sonia Rykiel. AndI especially love shopping for antiques for the house. I don’t always get in trouble, though—often I “window” shop to get ideas.

Window Shopping on eBay with Alice Ritter

Roll over items for details

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Gown

"A piece designed by Alaia has
a special construction—he has a masterful understanding of form. Plus, I adore the green of
this gown."

(buy it now price, $1999)

Persian Balooch Oriental Rug

"Persian rugs have stories woven into their threads; they come from far away and are often handmade. They really carry something special. Persian rugs are a staple in French homes. My grandparents and my parents had some beautiful ones, so it's a way for me to carry on the tradition. Maybe because of Colonialism, French decor has touches of Morocco and Tunisia that give this bourgeois bohemian aesthetic. My husband, however, finds them way too hippie for his taste. We're always battling on that topic!"

(starting bid, $150)

Alaia Knit Openwork Dress

"Alaia also pays amazing attention to details—every seam, every crease. Even the way each garment is ironed is special. For any designer it's a quality we aspire to."

(buy it now price, $1099)

Girl Silhouette Shadow Portrait

"I discovered a series of 19th century wooden frame shadow portraits... it's too easy to become addicted!"

(starting bid, $4.70)

French Pure Linen Embroidered Sheet

"I placed several bids on antique linen cloth that will look amazing as pillow covers or curtains. They're very sought after,
so though the auctions can go very high."

(buy it now price, $329)