LCF prepares the students for the industry by pushing them and encouraging them to work independently, which subsequently is what made Ali the designer she is today.
“It was so hard, most of my friends left the course! But, I did it,” explains Ali in a recent interview with The Phuket News.
Following her time at college, she worked with various designers, constantly building on her experience. Her decision to move to New York and be a designer was halted when her cousin encouraged her to go to Asia. And it was this decision that would change and shape the next few years of Ali’s life and career.
What was originally a three month trip has indeed turned into over a decade. Ali headed to the famed island of Koh Phi Phi back in May 2005, shortly after the Boxing Day Tsunami.
Ali was involved in, what was at the time one of the most difficult moments of her life, a serious and life changing motorbike accident in Phuket. But, they say there is a silver lining in every cloud, as the designer quite literally was forced to stay in Asia as she was unable to walk for a whole year. However, it was this drastic turning point which led her to spend her time designing and create her own label.
“I’m the luckiest person in the world,” says Ali. “The accident happened just after I bought my sewing machine. And every year that goes on, I count myself lucky. So it made me realise that life is too short.”
With enough experience in fashion, the Londoner decided she could do her own thing and concentrate on herself.
“I could just about manage to operate the sewing machine with my foot. So that’s when I started to run my own shop on Phi Phi.”
After a few trips back and fourth to England, Ali finally came across her golden ticket in 2010. Another shop was available to rent, so she quickly turned an empty space into a stylish boutique showcasing all her handmade outfits and accessories. Initially, the shop was a display of mix-match of vintage and her own custom made designs, but overtime, Ali turned the shop into her own label: AmberRoux.
The name AmberRoux is a mix of London, French influences, a sharp reflection on the shop’s warm, savvy, and chic designs. Ali bases herself in Bangkok, where she spends her time experimenting with high quality Japanese and Indian fabrics. Ali wanted a pretty name for her label, so combined the name Amber with the French word ‘roux’, giving the label an attractive edge.
“I love Bangkok, there’s so much to do in the city. I like getting inspired, walking around shopping malls and reading fashion magazines. I get to buy different fabrics everyday.”
Indeed, it’s clear that Ali’s passion and dedication to fashion is what makes her designs so creative, eye-catching and unique. But what’s more, is her positive and determined attitude. This carries her through life and enables her to work independently and create a fashion label that caters to both the Asian and European market, right from her Bangkok apartment.
What I find so intriguing is that Ali continues to develop her designs and hasn’t lost her ability to explore it over the years. This was evident when she told me that she goes to bed dreaming of fabrics and won’t hesitate to get out of bed at say 4am, if a new design comes to mind! It’s this sheer passion and her bubbly personality why so many customers continue to buy from her shop.
“It annoys me though,” Ali says with a smile, “I go to sleep dreaming where the zip will be in that dress, or what colour something will be in... when I dream of a good dress, I get up and draw it before I forget it!”
AmberRoux celebrates femininity in a classic design that appeals to Asian and European customers worldwide.
“You learn a lot yourself, it takes time but you learn how to do things”.
So what’s next for the eager designer?
“I have already started designing my website, which will display affordable, yet stylish outfits. I hope to develop a relationship with the expat community in Phuket, and expand on the sizes of clothes so that they cater for everyone,” Ali explains.
Looking ahead, Ali intends on bringing her label to the streets of Phuket and showcase her designs in a cutting edge fashion show, with an underground London style, yet inspired by a number of Asian cultures.
“It’s a fusion of everything going into this label, which I believe will be appealing, since there’s a gap in the market for this.
“It’s a bit scary, but it might open up a few more things!”
As fashion design is her lifestyle, Ali has remained in Asia to establish and build her brand. To share her passion for designing, collection pieces are available to buy online. As well as this, fans of her work can look forward to an eccentric display of leather accessories, jackets, and homemade silk products.
Ali’s ultimate dream is to get her label into the Ibiza market. And with such an inspirational and tenacious attitude, there’s no doubt that Ali will fulfil her dreams and more.
For more information or to view her collection, visit www.amberroux.com