New York City is has always been a beacon for individuals looking to pursue and fulfill their dreams.  In the beginning of the 20^th century, Ellis Island played host to millions of huddled masses in search of a better life.  Today, those seeking stardom and artistic freedom pass through JFK, LaGuardia, Penn Station and Port Authority to begin their journey in “the city that never sleeps.”

For someone moving to Manhattan or the other five boroughs, one could feel as if they were Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole – fear, exhilaration and wonder swirl into a stew of emotions propelling a person towards their destiny.  For fashion artist Alisha Trimble, New York was a logical stop on her creative odyssey.  She was raised in the Midwest and went to school on the west coast (Trimble is a graduate of San Francisco Art Institute).  Her bicoastal mentality coupled with her upbringing manifests itself in an aesthetic that uses texture, layering, coloring and unique concepts to manufacture wearable iconography.  Alisha’s designs have appeared in Nylon Japan, Time Out New York, Swoon,
Ambassador and Avantoure magazines as well as on shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Real Housewives of New York City.

The changing of the seasons in The Big Apple always brings a zephyr of excitement.  In September, all the dandies, hipsters, fashionistas and mad hatters venture out in their best duds to witness the spectacle of Fashion Week.  More awe-inspiring than the Queen of Hearts and all her cards, Fashion Week is a designer’s one opportunity to show the world his or her vision – a 15 minutes burst of concentration, chaos and splendor.  Before the madness begins, F.A.M.E NYC speaks with one of NYC’s most exciting burgeoning designers to discuss her love of fables, her influences and what makes an Alisha Trimble woman.  Alisha also shares with us a revamped version of a classic children’s tale.

You call yourself a Fashion Artist instead of a Designer, why did you choose to define yourself with that moniker?

I came from an artist background, and I give myself more freedom than many fashion designers have. I feel that having a strong conceptual basis for the work drives me to create. Otherwise, it would be so dull.

You grew up in the Midwest and went to school on the west coast.  How did these environments influence your style?

The Midwest was great because people were very industrious, especially in the inner city, and the West Coast (specifically the city of San Francisco) was lovely for experimentation and being thoughtful.

How would you describe the Alisha Trimble customer?

My customer loves to dress up, and knows that a thing of beauty is a treasure forever. Moreover, she expresses herself through her clothing and holds herself to a high standard.

Who is your favorite designer?  

I loved Alexander McQueen’s shows and was heavily influenced by how intellectual as well as moody his work came across.

It appears you are inspired by fables.  What is it about fairytales that inspire you?

Actually, I named my blog “personal fable.”  It’s a psychiatric term, here’s a definition I ripped off the internet:

Personal fables are beliefs that a person will be destined to live a heroic or legendary life. People who entertain personal fables often see themselves making a huge stand out in society, be it because of a talent, skill, or service. This can also lead to an imaginary audience. 

 

In a way, I call it that to mock myself a bit, such as to say, “I know only adolescents are prone to believe in themselves this way, but here I am doing it as an adult, shamelessly.”

 

It’s a lot like Wendy in Peter Pan…

What process did you use to select which pieces to display for this campaign?

The Alice in Wonderland story was a fun side project for me, and a designed a few looks specifically for this shoot, like the crochet pinafore for Alice.

What inspired you to create the Animal Saints collection?

The Animal Saints collection was largely inspired by the Leonard Cohen novel, The Beautiful Losers. One of the main characters is the Iroquois Saint Catherine Tekakwitha.

What can NYC expect from Alisha Trimble in 2012?

Soon I’m publishing my first motion picture editorial, so check my blog for screening dates and the chance to view it online: www.alishatrimble.wordpress.com.

 

 

Check out Alisha Trimble’s Alice in Brookland, her imaginative spin on Alice in Wonderland:

 

Alice in Brookland Photo Credits:

Dresses by Alisha Trimble
Stylist, V Vernard
Photography, Hair & Makeup by DaleAnn Clancy
Hair assistants: Clare Malarkey, Deidre Barrett
Makeup Assistants: Yuli Andrea Sanchez, Swain McCaughrin
Gloves throughout by Patricia Ann Parenti, www.tenderglovingcare.com

Additional Credits:
#1: Alice: Headband & hairbow by Anna Marcell, Wicker heels by zinc
#2: Daisy, dress underneath: Alissa Smith, ring by Anna Marcell
#3: Tiger Lily,  cage heels by Tracy Reese for Highline United
#4: Necklace on white rabbit, Diana Warner, cuff on Tweedle Dee by Diana Warner
#5: Rose, Necklace by Alyssa Norton
#6: Doormouse, suede/patent booties by Plenty.