Spring 2023 marks 15 years in business for ALC, and Andrea Lieberman has her label’s mantra down pat: “I say it every season, but we make real clothes for real women that have real lives.” That doesn’t mean the clothes have stayed the same—2012’s skin-tight pants and pastel blazers have given way to today’s neutral-toned slacks and itty bitty tops—but the goal is still to provide attractive ready-to-wear that can be worn to the office, on a date, or anywhere in between. Lieberman speaks to the customer, rather than to the capital-F fashion industry. “I remember starting the company, and it was so odd: Everyone thought that us not having a show was a really big deal. But in many ways it was never my intention because I was always customer focused,” she says.
For spring, Lieberman is particularly focused on textures: the heavy linen, the pleated vegan leather, and the multicolored crochet dresses. One of the strongest pieces is a short sleeved caramel dress with a peek-a-boo pleated skirt, a modern twist on the safari style. Unexpected—not trendy—and classic, it’s ALC at its best.
