Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra is a French-American luxury womenswear designer and the founder and creative director of his label, Altuzarra. After studying art and art history at Swarthmore College, Altuzarra worked under Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy in Paris before launching Altuzarra in New York. His collections are characterized by an interest in diverse cultural influences, including film, dance, literature, fine art, and crafts, with recurring themes of metamorphosis and change. This multicultural sensibility, rooted in his Franco-American heritage, defines the Altuzarra brand.

Altuzarra began his career in fashion with early experiences at Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler in New York, followed by an apprenticeship with patternmaker and former Rochas head Nicolas Caito. He later served as first assistant to Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy. Altuzarra launched his eponymous line with a capsule collection that was quickly picked up by Barneys New York, Ikram Chicago, and Dover Street Market. The brand became known for feminine tailoring and a sophisticated, playful aesthetic, establishing Altuzarra as a leading figure in contemporary American fashion.

Altuzarra has received industry recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30, Business of Fashion's BoF500, the Swarovski Award for Womenswear Design, the Ecco Domani award, Fashion Group International's Rising Star of the Year award, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, and the US Woolmark Prize. He has been named CFDA's Womenswear Designer of the Year and Accessories Council's Designer of the Year, and has earned multiple nominations from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Altuzarra has expanded his brand through collaborations and media appearances. He hosted the CFDA Fashion Awards with Amazon Fashion and served as a judge on Amazon's "Making the Cut." He appeared on "The Fashion Fund" with Vogue editor Anna Wintour and has collaborated with Target, Etsy, J.Crew, and West Elm. His designs have been worn at high-profile events, including a gold evening gown worn by Awkwafina at the Met Gala. Altuzarra launched a second line, Altu, and partnered with Kravet Couture on a collection of home textiles and wall coverings.

Growing up as the only non-Caucasian student in his school in France influenced Altuzarra's perspective and design philosophy. His early experiences with drawing and reading fostered a sense of escapism and an interest in transformation through fashion. This personal journey toward confidence and self-expression remains central to his approach, combining rigorous training, multicultural perspective, and commitment to craftsmanship in luxury womenswear design.