Age is definitely just a number when it comes to Courtney Allegra. The eighteen year old fashion designer might be young, but her talent and drive is wise beyond years. The young designer has made a name for herself and she’s still in her teens!
Her swim line, named after and designed by herself, is fun, flirty and will definitely have heads turning. Her swimwear has been featured in the best of the best, from Seventeen magazine to NBC’s The Today Show, and LA Fashion Week. Not only is Courtney slaying the runways with her fashion line, but is also a young philanthropist in the making and has partnered with The Cancer’s Survivors Show, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Never Leave One Behind.
Her name will definitely be next to the fashion powerhouses soon, like very soon! Want to get in the mind of this young fashion genius? Take a peek at our interview below!
When did this love for fashion begin?
I have loved fashion since I can remember. When I was younger I would paint intricate ball gowns and then they evolved into sketches of contemporary women’s wear.
What or who inspired you to begin designing?
The main thing that has inspired me to begin designing is traveling. On a trip to France when I was ten, I discovered an amazing fabric store that had organic cottons and luxurious silks. I told my mom “I need to make clothes out of these!” Everywhere I travel to inspires me to create different collections, like Jamaica inspired me to create the cheeky “Kingston” bottoms in my swimwear line.
You are really young. How does it feel being a young fashion designer and having some of the biggest names in the industry rock your clothes?
I feel that my age has allowed me to inspire other young adults in the industry to pursue their dreams that otherwise wouldn’t have. It’s seriously amazing to know that my designs have been well-received by celebrities!
Who are some of your inspirations?
Some of my inspirations for my designs are Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. I think it’s obvious that Rihanna inspires my leatherwear line CA11, whereas Miley is definitely my muse for CA11EXIT, my funky streetwear line. Courtney Allegra Swim is inspired by yours truly!
What do you enjoy most about designing clothes? And what do you find the most challenging?
The thing I enjoy most about designing clothes is literally being able to wear my feelings. The most challenging thing about designing clothes is going through the fitting process!
If you had the opportunity to work with any fashion designer in the world, who would it be?
If I had the opportunity to work with any fashion designer in the world, it would be
Jeremy Scott. I feel like some of my designs identify specifically with his shoe designs for Adidas and it would be a dream to collaborate on a collection.
In one word how would you describe your style?
Eccentric.
Where do you see yourself this time next year? 5 years from now?
This time next year, I see myself as an established name in swimwear across the US. Five years from now, I see myself as being recognized across the world for my designs.
What are some fashion trends for the summer? What should ladies be rockin’ for this upcoming hot weather?
Some hot trends this summer are metallics! My latest collection, which is Zoolander-inspired, is full of fun metallics in sexy shades like blue, silver, and bronze.
What is your favorite fashion brand(s)?
My favorite fashion brand is Ted Baker. I first fell in love with the classy tea-length dresses with vibrant prints on a trip to London years ago.
Does your work reflect your own fashion style?
Yes, my work reflects my own fashion style. Because my style is so dynamic, each of my lines represents a different side to my complicated style!
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m excited to announce that my newest swimwear collection is going to be available this fall!
By Simone G
