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.[1] He spent his childhood in Paris’ 7th arrondissement.[2] As a boy he studied ballet for eight years.[3]
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.[1]
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.[4] The first collection was picked up by Dover Street Market, Ikram and Barneys New York.[5]
In the following years, Altuzarra collaborated on collections with J. Crew (2012)[6] and Target (2014).[7]
From 2013 to 2020, Kering held a minority stake in the brand.[8][9]
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.[11] After showing in Paris for four years, Altuzarra settled back in New York in 2021.[12]
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.[13]
In 2022, Altuzarra launched a second line, Altu.[14]
In 2024, New York-based investment firm P180 took a minority stake in Altuzarra.[15]
Also in 2024, Altuzarra teamed with home furnishings brand Kravet Couture on a collection of home textiles and wall coverings.[16]
