"Clothes reflect a person's individuality. Everyone is unique, so I want to create jackets that are one of a kind," says designer Alice Balas, of her bespoke biker jacket brand.
As soon as she launched her eponymous brand in Paris in 2015, it quickly became a hot topic among discerning fashionistas such as Kate Moss, Caroline de Maigret, and Lou Doillon.
Her boutique in the Marais district stocks limited edition series of around 100 pieces (1,350 to 1,950 euros), collaboration lines with artists, and "millésime" designs, each of which is one piece per year (all starting from around 2,000 euros). Here, customers can decide on the design of their bespoke biker jacket together. "Shape, material, buttons, pockets, zippers, color, lining, embroidery... I can choose materials that aren't normally used for rider jackets, and I can specify every detail so the design possibilities are endless. I listen to the client's wishes and give my opinions so that the item will bring out their individuality. The most important part of the process, and the most enjoyable part, is creating something together with the client, through lots of discussions. I never want to make two pieces that are the same, so I try to give advice based on their skin and eye color, body type, fashion preferences, my intuition, etc."
A boutique in the Marais district of Paris
Once the design instructions are complete, the couturiers begin production in the Paris workshop. Here, too, Alice meets with each client to explain everything from the order of each item to the finest details. "You can't create a special piece unless you see, touch, and confirm it for yourself. I think it's important to communicate eye-to-eye with the couturiers and share our vision."
From the sourcing of leather to the hardware, every item is made in France, with the utmost care. Considering the environmental pollution caused by the leather industry, they decided to use ethical, high-quality French leather. The jacket takes approximately two months to produce, and once completed, it is personalized with an individual number, production year, size, and Alice's signature on the inside before being handed over to the customer.
The production period is approximately two months. No two riders jackets are the same
Before launching her brand, Alice worked at a creative agency in London for four years, where she was involved in many projects as an art director. She says she was attracted to London fashion, which has a strong affinity with music and has a different appeal to that of Paris. She was particularly impressed by the wide variety of rider jackets she had seen, influenced by rock music, and how they were arranged in a variety of designs using patchwork and paint. "The rider jacket is tough and masculine, but it's actually a versatile and timeless item that goes well with both evening dresses and pants. I thought it would also match the elegant and chic style that Parisian women prefer. I wanted an original rider jacket that reflected my own individuality, like the one I fell in love with in London, so I started the brand."
Although the brand has not advertised at all until now, it has been featured in the media extensively and attracts customers from both France and abroad. She told us that even in her busy days, she wants to continue growing the brand by valuing the connections between people. "A 2,000 euro biker jacket is by no means cheap, and I don't think it's a concept that everyone will accept. But rather than buying more and more and then consuming it, a high-quality piece made with great care has a priceless value that exceeds its price." Furthermore, biker jackets, a symbol of rebellion and freedom, also seem to instill strength in the wearer. "When you look around the world, you can see that there are so many unpredictable events that can make you feel weak... A biker jacket is something that helps you to appear tough at times like that." The biker jackets made by Alice are worth the investment. This is due not only to the quality and design, but also to her straightforward attitude, gaze, and warm heart. If you're looking for the ultimate biker jacket that will last you a lifetime, I recommend you visit Alice Baras. Meeting her will give you confidence that you'll never regret buying one.
【Information】
Alice Balas
Address: 6 Rue Charles-Francois Dupuis, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday 12:00-20:00
Tel: +33 1 56 58 13 81
contact@alicebalas.com
URL: http://www.alicebalas.com/
Orders for custom-made jackets are by appointment only.
As soon as she launched her eponymous brand in Paris in 2015, it quickly became a hot topic among discerning fashionistas such as Kate Moss, Caroline de Maigret, and Lou Doillon.
Her boutique in the Marais district stocks limited edition series of around 100 pieces (1,350 to 1,950 euros), collaboration lines with artists, and "millésime" designs, each of which is one piece per year (all starting from around 2,000 euros). Here, customers can decide on the design of their bespoke biker jacket together. "Shape, material, buttons, pockets, zippers, color, lining, embroidery... I can choose materials that aren't normally used for rider jackets, and I can specify every detail so the design possibilities are endless. I listen to the client's wishes and give my opinions so that the item will bring out their individuality. The most important part of the process, and the most enjoyable part, is creating something together with the client, through lots of discussions. I never want to make two pieces that are the same, so I try to give advice based on their skin and eye color, body type, fashion preferences, my intuition, etc."
A boutique in the Marais district of Paris
Once the design instructions are complete, the couturiers begin production in the Paris workshop. Here, too, Alice meets with each client to explain everything from the order of each item to the finest details. "You can't create a special piece unless you see, touch, and confirm it for yourself. I think it's important to communicate eye-to-eye with the couturiers and share our vision."
From the sourcing of leather to the hardware, every item is made in France, with the utmost care. Considering the environmental pollution caused by the leather industry, they decided to use ethical, high-quality French leather. The jacket takes approximately two months to produce, and once completed, it is personalized with an individual number, production year, size, and Alice's signature on the inside before being handed over to the customer.
The production period is approximately two months. No two riders jackets are the same
Before launching her brand, Alice worked at a creative agency in London for four years, where she was involved in many projects as an art director. She says she was attracted to London fashion, which has a strong affinity with music and has a different appeal to that of Paris. She was particularly impressed by the wide variety of rider jackets she had seen, influenced by rock music, and how they were arranged in a variety of designs using patchwork and paint. "The rider jacket is tough and masculine, but it's actually a versatile and timeless item that goes well with both evening dresses and pants. I thought it would also match the elegant and chic style that Parisian women prefer. I wanted an original rider jacket that reflected my own individuality, like the one I fell in love with in London, so I started the brand."
Although the brand has not advertised at all until now, it has been featured in the media extensively and attracts customers from both France and abroad. She told us that even in her busy days, she wants to continue growing the brand by valuing the connections between people. "A 2,000 euro biker jacket is by no means cheap, and I don't think it's a concept that everyone will accept. But rather than buying more and more and then consuming it, a high-quality piece made with great care has a priceless value that exceeds its price." Furthermore, biker jackets, a symbol of rebellion and freedom, also seem to instill strength in the wearer. "When you look around the world, you can see that there are so many unpredictable events that can make you feel weak... A biker jacket is something that helps you to appear tough at times like that." The biker jackets made by Alice are worth the investment. This is due not only to the quality and design, but also to her straightforward attitude, gaze, and warm heart. If you're looking for the ultimate biker jacket that will last you a lifetime, I recommend you visit Alice Baras. Meeting her will give you confidence that you'll never regret buying one.
【Information】
Alice Balas
Address: 6 Rue Charles-Francois Dupuis, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday 12:00-20:00
Tel: +33 1 56 58 13 81
contact@alicebalas.com
URL: http://www.alicebalas.com/
Orders for custom-made jackets are by appointment only.
