PAINTED LUXURY

Old-World Herbalism Meets Modern Science

By Sophia Strawser | Photography by Andrew Egan

Ala, born Princess Annie-Laurie, never dreamed she’d be the founder of a fashion brand, let alone a prolific painter. However, over a decade ago, she stumbled into an exciting new chapter. In 2009 Ala stepped into the creative space. Simply seeking a new hobby, Ala reached for a paintbrush. It was a natural fit. Shortly after that, Ala worked with a design team to bring her paintings to fabric, thus birthing the iconic brand.

And now, years later, her thousands of devoted customers are extremely grateful she did. Her paintings, and AvA’s pieces, are inspired by nature, color, and travel. Ala von Auersperg’s love of fashion began before launching her namesake brand in 2017. The young Princess Annie-Laurie would visit Parisian couture houses with her mother, Sunny Crawford von Bülow. The sleek designs and bold colors were imprinted on Ala’s mind. She quickly absorbed her mother’s fantastic eye for luxury in fashion and home decor. As Ala paints, she uses that trained eye to pick out the textures and colors others may overlook. She’s painted the ocean, roses from her garden, the tropical mock coffee plant, butterflies, and more. 

Ala remembers, “My mother was one of my greatest inspirations. She enjoyed the finer things in life but never took them for granted. I’ve incorporated that same way of living into my own life, always stopping to smell the roses or at least to paint them.” 

DEFINING ALA’S STYLE
As paintings became fabrics and fabrics became collections, the designs were a weaving of Ala’s style, the vintage couture she was surrounded by as a child, and the tropics. Ala splits her time between the East Coast and Antigua, which very well could be the greatest love of her life. She’s been a part of the Antiguan community for over 20 years. Her home boasts an expansive garden and sits just a short distance from the beach. The island seems to have inspiration hidden behind every shoreline, palm tree, or bungalow.

LUXURIOUS LOOKS
So, it’s no surprise that the brand has a Tropics Collection displaying bright blue coral and the mock coffee plant in white and lavender. The Antigua inspiration doesn’t end there. The brand made a simple butterfly print come to life in a new way on a translucent mesh that’s not only a luxurious look but also perfectly breezy for warm climates. 

After the launch of the first collection, the brand became known for its sheer kaftan. The piece can be worn as a beach coverup, a statement over their all-white basics, or with a casual pair of jeans to add visual interest. In addition, the brand expanded its mesh line, offering floor-length flowing looks like the Rachel Sheer Mesh Poncho and figure-framing blouse like the Diane Sheer Mesh Top. Also, a fan favorite is AvA’s distinct Signature Sets which allow a customer to handcraft their own set of three pieces. Each set component can be worn in several ways, multiplying closet or suitcases options. It was essential for Ala and her daughter-turned-business partner Sunny to create versatile pieces. They wanted pieces that could be transformed into multiple looks depending on how you accessorize, belt, or pair them. 

EASY TRAVELS
The brand’s fabrics are all made for easy packing because if there’s one thing Ala’s constant travel has taught her, it’s that ironing is time-consuming. Especially when Ala wants to get straight to the beach as soon as she lands, her favorite place to relax, usually wearing a Rachel Sheer Mesh Poncho as a coverup. “I want every woman, no matter age, size, or lifestyle, to wear AvA and feel breezy, comfortable, and luxurious. I want their confidence to be through the roof and their unique beauty recognized. AvA is curated art for your closet. Invest in yourself, invest in art,” she explains.  

For more information on Ala von Auersperg, visit alavonauersperg.com