Meet Santa Monica Fashion Designer: Alana Hale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Hale.

Alana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Fresh out of design school in 2008, I launched a couture inspired concept line under my own name. With my namesake collection, I showed in Los Angeles and London Fashion Weeks and created one-of-a-kind pieces for celebrity stylists and fashion editorials. Craving a more personal avenue, I sought to bridge the gap between my high fashion design roots and laid-back LA lifestyle. Ushering in a new era of effortless luxe, Nines was born.

Nines is a contemporary collection of boundary-pushing style with a focus on innovative fabrics and directional detailing. Our style is sleek and luxe, with a laid-back ease. We make pretty things for the cool girl, equal parts city chic and wandering free spirit.

Based in Santa Monica I continue to expand my design ventures and have recently become Head Designer of the Venice Beach-based tween line, Love & Sunflowers. Designing this tween line is so special to me because it reminds me of when I was this age and really fell in love with fashion.

Has it been a smooth road?
There have been plenty of challenges. Launching your own company is never easy and learning as you go definitely made it tough. It created setbacks and mistakes, which have ultimately made me a better designer and a smarter businesswoman than if I had taken the conventional route. I was surprised at what came smooth vs what I struggled with. The response to my line, editorial validation, the demand and PR coverage came so smooth it didn’t feel real. The biggest challenge was realizing the business end doesn’t fall into place and when you’re new to the game, more demand means more risk.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and career?
There’s an element of luck to being in the right place at the right time, where it’s meeting new people or having opportunities present itself. I’m more of a believer in hard work and determination rather than luck lending itself to one’s success.

Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
Confidence

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Best – The year round sunshine!

Least – Nothing, I love it here.

Pricing:

• Lace Clique Top $139
• Rogue Slit Skirt $202
• Matador Muse Jacket $195
• Silk Clique Top $126
• Muse Fringe Jacket $264

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alanahale.carbonmade.com/, ninesbrand.com,
• Instagram: @alanahale, @ninesbrand

Image Credit:
Photo: Dave Kefski
Model: Brittany Lucas, Aned
Makeup and Hair: Sarah Maxwell and Jordyn McCray