Joseph Altuzarra (born 1983) is a French-American luxury women's ready-to-wear clothing designer. He launched his brand, Altuzarra, in New York in 2008. His brand is influenced by his multicultural upbringing and his international education in fashion. His design of a women's evening gown was featured on the runway of the 2019 Met Gala evening.
Early life and education Altuzarra was born in 1983 in Paris, to a Chinese-American mother and a French father. His parents are both investment bankers. He spent his childhood in Paris’ 7th arrondissement.Jessica Iredale (31 August 2017), Behind Altuzarra’s Move to Paris Women's Wear Daily. As a boy he studied ballet for eight years.
Altuzarra graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in art and art history. Upon heading to New York, he interned at Marc Jacobs before his post at Proenza Schouler. Seeking to further enhance his technical construction skills, Altuzarra then apprenticed with patternmaker Nicolas Caïto, the former head of the Rochas atelier. He later returned to Paris, working as first assistant to Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci.
Altuzarra In its early years, the Altuzarra brand was self-financed with help from Altuzarra’s family; his mother Karen served as the company's CEO.Vanessa Friedman (20 June 2012), Mum’s the word for designers Financial Times. The first collection was picked up by Dover Street Market, Ikram and Barneys New York.Jessica Iredale and Miles Socha (6 September 2013), Kering Takes Stake in Altuzarra Women's Wear Daily.
In the following years, Altuzarra collaborated on collections with J. Crew (2012)Eric Wilson (17 April 2012), The Preppy Sets Sail in the Riviera New York Times. and Target (2014).Ruth La Ferla (6 August 2014), Target’s Newest Dance Partner? Joseph Altuzarra New York Times.
From 2013 to 2020, Kering held a minority stake in the brand.Booth Moore (10 February 2024), Joseph Altuzarra Is Going Intimate for His 15th Anniversary Show Women's Wear Daily.
Since 2017, Altuzarra’s studio has been based in New York's Woolworth Building.Vanessa Friedman (12 February 2017), Joseph Altuzarra Is Craving a Kind of Armor New York Times.
In 2017, Altuzarra announced that it would present its runway show to Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2018 season with plans to show there indefinitely. After showing in Paris for four years, Altuzarra settled back in New York in 2021.
In 2019, Altuzarra's design of a women's all gold, full-length evening gown was worn by Awkwafina at the 2019 Met Gala whom he accompanied on the runway and entrance staircase on the evening of the event.Forbes magazine. 6 May 2019. "The Best-Dressed Celebrities on the Met Gala 2019 Red Carpet". By Celia Shatzman.
In September 2020, Altuzarra made a bandana as part of Joe Biden's "Believe in Better" fashion collection, which included collaborations from 18 other fashion designers around the country as part of the Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.
In 2022, Altuzarra launched a second line, Altu.Diana Tsui (4 January 2022), With His New Line, Joseph Altuzarra Honors His Teen Self T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
In 2024, New York-based investment firm P180 took a minority stake in Altuzarra.David Moin (14 October 2024), Exclusive: Brendan Hoffman’s P180 Takes Stake in Altuzarra, Plans Rental Service Women's Wear Daily.
Also in 2024, Altuzarra teamed with home furnishings brand Kravet Couture on a collection of home textiles and wall coverings.Emily Mercer (15 November 2024), Altuzarra Teams With Kravet Couture Women's Wear Daily.
Other activities In 2020, Altuzarra was one of the judges in season 1 of Amazon's Making the Cut.
Personal life Altuzarra has been married to real estate investor Seth Weissman since 2014.Seth Weissman, Joseph Altuzarra New York Times, 19 October 2014. They welcomed their first child, Emma, in 2019.
Awards YearTitle2014CFDA Award2013Crain's New York Business 40 Under 402013US Woolmark Prize Winner2012CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear Design2012Forbes 30 Under 302011CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award2010Out 100 Vanguard of the Year2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star of the Year2010Ecco Domani Award
References
External links
Altuzarra Collections: Style.com