Introducing one of today’s most beautiful fashion brands in the world, ALEXANDRINE. Founded by Alexandra Fructuoso, a business woman who created the brand that reveals luxury craftsmanship and takes fashion and art to the world. With a flair for fashion and a gift of making garments look easy, Alexandrine is setting the stage for the future of the fashion world.
Born in Portugal, but raised in Africa, Alexandra draws from her experience immersed in a culture rich in color and natural life. From a young age Alexandra would gaze upon fashion magazines and something in her heart world whisper, “One day…” It’s as if deep in her soul she knew she was born to be a fashion designer.
She shares her passion for fashion with us as we admire the exquisiteness of her work.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How did you get into the fashion industry?
Alexandra Fructuoso: An opportunity presented itself, and I took the plunge with the thought of being the first fashion house to offer exactly what a woman needs to fulfill her dream. This is what makes us our different. We have “that something” for everyone.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Who or what are your inspirations?
Alexandra Fructuoso: A child’s natural beauty, a colorful sunset, a majestic mountain, a special someone and even a gesture can inspire me. Clothing should bring out the best in people.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What makes your work unique?
Alexandra Fructuoso:Our finishing touches are our signature but it doesn’t end there. Our pieces are works of art and we treat them as such. They are forever and we consider it is part of our work to keep them perfect.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is your signature as a designer?
Alexandra Fructuoso: Beauty and Perfection.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What do you think of the ‘Fashion World’?
Alexandra Fructuoso: Style and beauty are forms of art and, as such, they`re in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes it is early or late for it’s time but essentially, it’s about making people glamorous.
Beverly Hills Magazine:What is your favorite item to design?
Alexandra Fructuoso: Long gowns. Embroidery that can take three months of work. I love sparkle. Yes, I like people to shine through, even when wearing a straight black traditional dress.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is your definition of style?
Alexandra Fructuoso: Style is an easy and graceful manner. A sense of “I can, therefore I am”…
Style is attitude and above all real style is manners and attitude. This reminds me of a story: During his college years, when Ghandi was studying law, he had a teacher who didn’t like him much and during a test asked him: “If you’d find a bag in the street with money and another with knowledge, which one would you choose?”
Ghandi answers – “The one with money,” to which the teacher answers:” If I were you; I’d choose knowledge.” To which Ghandi answered him:
“Sir, each one chooses what he lacks…”
This is style. This is attitude.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What makes clothing beautiful?
Alexandra Fructuoso: Our strength is in designing for a personal style or, in ready-to-wear, to have many different interpretations. When you best interpret a person’s style and bring out the best in one, there lies real beauty.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What can our readers look forward to from your future collection?
Alexandra Fructuoso: They can count on new trends, new materials, and new designers. They can count on a classical, modern sensual, romantic and minimalistic style.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers out there?
Alexandra Fructuoso:As in any career, 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration (work). You have to believe in yourself and follow through. It’s a long hard road ahead and the market is a tough test. Ultimately, life is hard, very hard. Once you accept it as true, it becomes easy. It’s important to know what you’re good at and find others to assist you where you aren’t the best. Above all, stay humble.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Where can our readers go to become your fan?
Alexandra Fructuoso: If they come, we’ll be honored, the Maison and myself. We post regularly on Facebook and Instagram.
Today, Alexandrine is happily married with seven kids, four of them her own and the rest inherited and adopted living in São Paulo, Brazil, a cosmopolitan bustling city with one of the best gastronomies after Portugal. She loves gymnastics, yoga, parties, travel with the family and of course her work, where she finds her fulfillment.
