Born in San Diego, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti grew up in Rome and then moved to London, where she began a promising career amidst the world’s highest brands and became the head-designer of women’s ready-to-wear collection at Lanvin. Today, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti has stepped inside a new dimension and has taken over the reins of Parisian brand Paule Ka. And as she dives into this larger-than-life adventure, the Italian designer instils the chic brand with her own personal twist! Armed with endless drive and passion, the famed designer uses her own identity as a platform for a new chapter in Paule Ka’s history.

Azyaamode caught up with the designer to hear about her new adventure, her inspirations and of course, Paule Ka’s latest collection.

Could you tell us more about yourself? What was it like taking on a refined and classic brand such as Paule Ka?

I am a young 33 year old Italian designer, I studied at Central St Martin School in London. After my degree, I worked for several brands such as Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and just before Paule Ka, I worked at Lanvin with Alber Elbaz.

Creatively leading such a brand is certainly an honor but also a challenge. Expectations were high and there is a classic Paule Ka esthetic to follow while reinventing the brand and putting my twist on it.

What would you say you added to Paule Ka, as part of the brand’s renewal?

In my opinion, I added a fresh twist on the classic shapes of the house. I have brought new pants and dress shapes. I have developed a lighter style with airy fabrics. Each season, I rework the iconic Paule Ka bow and trapeze dress.

Who is the new Paule Ka woman?

The Paule Ka woman is a contemporary cosmopolitan woman with a busy agenda. Work, cocktails, weekends, travel, ceremonies. She wants to be chic and comfortable everywhere she goes, without giving up femininity and style. It’s no longer about age, but about attitude.

How did you manage to combine your own personal codes with Paule Ka’s values?

By studying the past collections and the brand’s identity. I always make sure that I am being faithful to the classic shapes of the house and that my new designs are coherent with the brand’s identity.

Are there any celebrities you would want to see in Paule Ka designs?

I admire and would like to dress many women but at the moment I am loving Lily Collin’s style, she is so talented! She would wear a Paule Ka dress beautifully.

Could you describe the brand’s new era in a few words?

The new modern couture house.

What inspires your designs and more specifically your Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection?

For this latest collection, I wanted to go back to the 'origins' of PARISIAN STYLE, study the history of leaders and the reasons that made this style famous through history. I found out that the term ‘Parisian Style’ was born in the opulent courts of Louis IV, and looking at the Baroque paintings of this period, I was very inspired by the ornamental quality of the clothes, the under-structures of women's daywear and the metallic colors. 

This gave me the idea for the main stories of the collection: metallic pleated lace and lingerie-inspired construction. 

Then, based on the notion that Parisian women always wear a scarf, I also developed a group of tailored pieces based on scarfs, which opened the show. 

In your opinion, the appeal of your work lies in what specifically?

What appeals in my job, is that I have brought a fresh new vision to the brand to continue the story of this beautiful house founded thirty years ago.

What’s next for Paule Ka?

2018 will be a big year for us as it is the 30 year anniversary of the brand, so there will be lots of surprises and upcoming events. And who knows maybe a show at Paris fashion week.

Cindy Menassa