Susan Alexandra’s Debut Clothing Line Is Inspired by Her Dream Bat Mitzvah Outfits

Bubbly designer Susan Korn, better known by her label’s name Susan Alexandra, lives in a glittery, candy-colored universe of her own making. She had been crafting her bright, boxy beaded top handle bags and matching jewelry for a couple of years when they went viral thanks to celebrity endorsements from the Hadid sisters.

Now, Korn is pivoting into new territory and launching a small capsule line of ready-to-wear that incorporates her rainbow-colored beading techniques. Launching alongside her Spring 2020 accessories at New York Fashion Week tomorrow, the collection includes beaded bras and crop tops as well as pedal pushers and pencil skirts with beaded fringe. There’s also shirting and dresses embroidered with the same cheery beaded fruit that often decorates the Susan Alexandra bags. Everything will be available on her website, and all for under $500.

“These are the clothes that I wish I could have worn to a bat mitzvah when I was 13 and what I still want to own now,” Korn says. She’s had the idea of creating ready-to-wear for some time, but because clothing design is not her natural forte, she tapped a dear friend to help. Her partner in the project is a drag queen designer who goes by her stage name, Steak Diane. “He was able to help take my vision and turn it into clothing form,” she notes. “Steak Diane is a fabulous character and she’s in the show this year too. She is a red headed, bearded gal, a self-described ‘shrimp cocktail enthusiast, semi-professional drag artist, and designer and seamstress.’”

Korn couldn’t be more pleased with what they came up with together. “The clothes have the same flavor and whimsy as the bags and jewelry.” Here’s an exclusive first look at Susan Alexandra’s first ready-to-wear collection ahead of its official debut tomorrow.