Alvin Valley is without a doubt one of the best new talents of New York, writes Richard Spiegel

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE AUTHOR

ITH yet again another off-site show, we were pulled to mid-town New York for Alvin Valley's spring 2003 show. Seeing his fall 2002 collection on television and being quite impressed with his first try on the track, this was a show we had to attend.
   Good things come to those who wait, even with a 200 ft-plus runway.
   Alvin has produced a collection that is sensible, stylish and practical—a very wise move for designers when the global economy is suffering. The inspiration for this spring is 1950s Cuba—another collection that took us chez Guevara for spring was Tracy Reese—but we see more urban edge than Latin style. His fabric choice regarding his slacks seemed on key. There was flow to the pieces but not in the wind flapping around the ankle.
   This stability of fabric brings his vision full circle for the Alvin Valley woman. A confident feeling can be seen in the clothes; his lines are sharp and well tailored.
   This is a straightforward collection for both day and evening flat out. The colour choice of black and white is nothing new but the structure of the clothes shows that Alvin has learned well on how to dress today's modern woman. Slacks, skirts and tops are simple but extremely well fitted and look sleek.
   The eveningwear has polish, glitz and finish, which allows for sophisticated looks. For a second season, we are beyond impressed with what Mr Valley has produced. Being one of the new crops of designers hitting the scene he's made quite a splash. •

Richard Spiegel is New York editor of Lucire.

Lucire: ‘Tracy Reese: a Cuban Dream’ (October 3, 2002)