In Conversation with Alice Ritter

Tell us about your background:

I am French and lived in Paris before moving to New York; time flies; it's been a while. I've been a womenswear designer and creative entrepreneur for well over 15 years. I've steered my own ready-to-wear labels while also consulting for major brands like Urban Outfitters, Gap, Anthropologie and others.

I founded the high-end contemporary womenswear label, Alice Ritter, in 2005. The label was distributed in over 65 prestigious retailers worldwide, including Barneys New York, Kirna Zabete, Joyce Hong Kong, and Colette Paris.

I've recently launched a design consulting firm, Alice Ritter Studio. I offer full-service fashion design solutions for contemporary womenswear brands, from market research to pre-production samples. As a design consultant, I've partnered with Anthropologie, Ivory Ella, Buffalo Jeans, Aether, and many more.

Some of my recent consulting roles include leading the outerwear line for the Rebecca Minkoff brand license, developing the full lifestyle assortment for Driftwood Jeans, and spearheading Ivory Ella's expansion into new categories like activewear and outerwear, emphasizing sustainable practices.

I like to infuse products with emotion and storytelling in my work. Whether working on my labels or consulting for major brands, my tastes naturally drive me towards feminine and eclectic products. I thrive on taking collections from concepts to market execution. I'm hopeful that my entrepreneurial spirit, multidisciplinary skills, and commitment to innovative, meaningful design will continue to lead me to new and exciting endeavors.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

Ignorance is bliss on some level! I was a hopeful dreamer, and the dream of launching my label without prior experience in fashion fuelled my entrepreneurial vision. If I'd known how difficult it is to sustain an independent label I self-founded, I would probably have been too scared. The business of fashion takes work and can be tricky. Would it have been easier to work for a brand beforehand? Yes, probably!

Best career advice you've ever received?

“If you want to work in fashion, stop waiting around, buy a sewing machine and start making clothes.” As a French person, I considered returning to fashion school when I arrived in New York. Instead, I bought a sewing machine and started a kind, up-cycled line of clothes.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Enthusiasm, empathy, clarity, and the most important: courage.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Balance: I'm a mom now, so my priorities have shifted; even though I have yet to lose interest in the fashion business, it can be demanding, and boundaries are essential.
Self-confidence and faith: Fashion can be cruel and fast-moving. You need to be centered and solid in your abilities. Being a Creative person, it can be challenging.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

My Adidas, I was wearing Stan Smith for years; I switched to Samba recently.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ritter-studio1/

Website: https://aliceritterstudio.com/fashion-design-services

Instagram: @aliceritterstudio