Ali Lue stays true to her style

Kimone Booth, Gleaner Writer

IT IS pretty hard not to notice the gorgeous designer Ali Lue of Ali Lue Couture and her personal style when she hits the streets. Specialising in haute couture and combining it in every aspect of her newly launched, Ready to Wear fashion line; Ali Lue is definitely the designer to look out for in 2011.

As busy as she is, Ali Lue was able to sit with Saturday Life and tell us about her personal style and niche for fashion.

• When did you first realise your niche for fashion?

When I was younger, I used to love drawing and making clothes for my dolls and playing dress-up, so at an early age I knew it was what I wanted to do!

• Before branching out on your own with Ali Lue Couture did you work with any specific designer?

Yes. After high school, I went to design school and when I returned to Jamaica, I began doing work for Tuff Gong for Cedella Marley which is now Catch a Fire.

• Of your collections, which would you regard as your breakthrough piece?

In 2006, I attended a wedding at Vale Royal, where I designed a beautiful, haute-couture dress. It was a sure crowd pleaser and that was when I started Ali Lue Couture.

• What fashion shows have your pieces been showcased in locally?

In 2008, I did Style Week, Island Couture, among others.

• How diverse is Ali Lue Couture?

It actually is very diverse. It's not only about haute couture, but last year I launched my ready-to-wear line, which consist of handmade T- shirts, jewellery which are very trendy, feminine and chic.

• How affordable are your pieces?

My ready-to-wear pieces are affordable, I mean they start at $1,350. But other pieces will vary, depending on the style and the fabric. I use signature fabrics such as Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Ungaro, Dolce & Gabbana and also I use a lot of silk, really high-quality fabrics.

• Who does Ali Lue Couture cater to?

Ali Lue Couture caters to all ages and sizes. Next year, I will be launching my menswear.

• Who is wearing Ali Lue Couture now?

Well, right now, Queen Ifrica and I have styled Cherine Anderson.

• Where can we find Ali Lue Couture?

Well, you can always find me on Facebook under 'Ali Lue Couture' or by Silk and Satin where I now manage.

• How long have you been the manager at Silk and Satin?

Well, I just recently came on board here, and I am excited about my journey here.

• I was told that Silk and Satin sells not only fabric, but recently they sell the really stellar chunky jewellery, how affordable is it?

Oh yes, yes we do, but quality fabric is still top priority here at Silk and Satin. However, the necklaces are very affordable. Though fabric is our top product, we want the customer to leave with the complete package; fabric, jewellery and more to come.

• What is the signature piece from your collection?

The Avingard piece, which is extremely haute couture.

• Has Jamaica lost its touch as being one of the fashion trendsetters? Some people tend to believe designers now lack creativity. What is your opinion?

I have heard that before, that designers lose their sense of creativity, and that everything seems so commercial, nothing really stands out, but as a designer I have to stay true to my work and my pieces and know what I am about.

Right now, I am taking my work to another level in Jamaica. Aside from that, we have so much talent in Jamaica. It is hard for us to not remain one of the top Caribbean countries in fashion.

• What advice would you give to young designers?

Put God first. Nothing is impossible. Be creative, versatile, stand out and love what you do and stay true to who you are.