The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Alexandra Long Dawn Hunt indulges in the theme of Alexandra Long’s Enigma collection. S eductive doesn’t even begin to describe Alexandra Long or her captivating Enigma collection. Gorgeously feminine, incredibly coquettish and timelessly elegant, Long has produced a line of enchanting and stunning pieces for today’s confi- dent and empowered women who aren’t afraid to show off their curves. Hailing from a family in the fashion busi- ness, Long spent her youthful summer holidays in the family’s factory in Romania and design rooms worldwide, and later went on to earn her MA in Fashion Design from the Istituto Marangoni. She then took her talents to work for Emilia Wickstead’s studio before taking the leap and beginning her own namesake label in 2015. Long’s deep-rooted fashion ties are what prepped her for the current role as a designer, which can clearly be seen in her collection’s flawless looks. As an indomitable and elegant woman herself, Long takes influence from her past and presents those lessons and experiences in her graceful gowns and clever jumpsuits.“For me elegant clothes, like a dear friend, are not throwaway things. We prowl the world together, sharing adventures and excesses, and we have to look after one another. So that’s why I make timeless, high quality pieces that aren’t disposable and encourage people to have more of a bond with their clothing." Long wants to dress women who not only know true style, but true quality when they see it. As such, Long again looked to the past for inspiration for her Enigma collection. However, this time she looked to the braze sirens of WorldWar II espionage. The silhouette of the ‘30s and ‘40s can clearly be seen in the silhouettes of her lines, the gowns alone scream aloud the drama that ravaged the world in that era – sleek and elegant but fierce and direct with no hint of excess detailing, but also how frugal and careful people were, as Long is passionate about sustainability and ending the rampant over-consump- tion within the fashion industry. Each of Long’s luxe pieces is entirely made of natural fabrics, digitally printed silks and quality cotton blends. The collection contains examples of siren suits that women would wear in air raid shelters, chic sheath and cocktail dresses. As a nod to the women who risked it all during this time to help break German enigma codes, each piece is respect- fully named after them. Going further to honour their work, Long infused the designs of the dresses with their spirit and inventiveness, as well as including lining printed with a rather naughty and wicked set of instructions using an enig- matic cipher. As a whole, this cheeky line of evening wear has an altogether after-hours air to it, with the fine trim- mings adding just the right amount of glitz. “Peekaboo zips nestled against the nipples, zip-through-crotch jumpsuits and soft-flapped inner-pocket-openings that might allow an admirer a fleeting fondle. And in keeping with the collection’s wartime theme there are pockets where, once upon a time a lover’s photo would be kept close to the heart or where today's demi-mondaine might sequester a sachet of their chosen poison.” Can we say sexy? I think so.   Long’s work is for women like her, mul- ti-dimensional, in complete control of their sexuality and confident enough to exhibit its ravishing style. And all I can say is that I for one cannot wait for the launch of SS17! www.alexandralong.com bite fashion