A trip to Coney Island inspired Julie and Jason Alkire’s exploration into tourists’ fascination with exotic birds, the basis for their spring collection. While researching old Luna Park photos, the couple began to realize the prominence of flamingos, toucans and the like — as murals or amusement park prizes — and how vacationers obsess over those “obnoxious” swan and flamingo poolside floaties.
The concept translated into a watercolor portrait of tropical birds, created by Jason, that was printed onto fabric and applied to dresses and the lining of jackets and sleeves. A standout included a brocade blazer with coated embossed lamb cuffs and the painting as a lining. Their vintage photo research also inspired graphic black-and-white prints, used on a languid striped coat and pant combo and polka dot tops and skirts. The prints didn’t consume the collection, though. Mindful of their customers’ everyday needs, the duo offered crisp cotton shirting that doesn’t easily wrinkle and Italian suiting that drapes easily around the body.
