‘All visual processes subscribe to the same vernacular. Coming from a fine arts background, I have learned to trust in my artistic method, instinctively applying this language to fashion design and conceptualizing it at its most rudimentary core… components of color, texture and volume/shape, cognizant that this way of working not only affords the realization of my designs, but also allows for acute editing, manipulation and exploration. Combined with a deep respect for craft, demand for quality and an understanding of technique, it is the knowledge gleaned from trusting in my creative methodology that I have found to be the singular most important experience I have gained thus far, and one that translates impeccably into the world of the high fashion bride.’
The creative force behind AlidioMichelli, Alison Miller brings a designer ready-to-wear/couture background and deep artistic sensibility to the bridal world... one that celebrates bridal as a composite of lifestyle, culture and emotion, and delivers an exciting product with a definitive point of view.
Ivy league fine art trained Miller has her base in the visual arts: she worked at Phillips in New York, the Tate Gallery in London, and collaborated in Rome with the late Mario Schifano on numerous projects including the Venice Biennale. Constantly designing clothes, Miller developed a private clientele while living in Europe. Through her travels she gained in-depth knowledge and appreciation for exquisite fabrics while honing her skills alongside Roman tailors, couturiers and artisans. Her fine art background and well informed affinity for architecture and industrial design cemented an aesthetic of clean, sculptural silhouettes grounded in Italian tailoring and couture technique. Upon returning to New York, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and received the graduating fashion show critic's award.
In 2003 Miller launched her fashion business as the creative director for AlidioMichelli, a luxury women's designer r-t-w and accessories company located in Florence, Milan and New York. Modern clothes for urban living, they eschewed an understated elegance through high, directional design premised with a sophisticated, downtown edge. Highly received, the collections were distributed worldwide.
While at AlidioMichelli, Miller received critical awards, including being honored in 2008 by the Camera Nazionale della Moda in Milan, and awarded ‘The Best of Made in Italy’; Villa Borghese, Rome. Recognized for efforts grounded in research and technique, as well as an ongoing commitment to the highest levels of quality, AlidioMichelli was chosen as the first womenswear company to use the rarest luxury fabric in the world- an extraordinary cashmere with truly innovative properties. The collection was previewed during Milan Fashion Week and later presented on behalf of the Canadian Government at the Winter Olympic Games in Torino. AlidioMichelli was also selected to participate in NY/Mercedes Benz Fashion Week events such as The Red Dress campaign.
Miller always offered a special couture/made to measure bridal service (gowns, headpieces and accessories) directly out of her showrooms in Florence and Milan. Primarily servicing European brides, word of mouth garnered a growing American business. It was upon client request that Monvieve was born... and the commitment to bring to market the couture bridal accessories that were once available only to select private clientele.
Today, Miller serves as the creative director of Monvieve and oversees all design, sourcing and production.