Photo by The Scout Guide
A Thriving Business with Humble Beginnings
Today, New Orleans-based Alexa Pulitzer’s stationery can be found worldwide, in more than 1,500 boutiques, the likes of Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropologie and Liberty of London. But this company has humble beginnings, right here in New Orleans.
Inspired by New Orleans cultural icons
Fanciful stationery and fine paper accessories created by Alexa Pulitzer draw inspiration from old-world elegance and the cool attitude for which New Orleans is known. A proud New Orleanian, Pulizer's motifs had always included styled iconography; her stationery featured New Orleans flora, streetcars, trumpets, elaborate musical notes, crowns (paying homage to carnival), and of course, iconic fleur de lys’.
Pulitzer created New Orleans’ tricentennial logo. The centennial commemorates the hard work of generations of New Orleanians, remember the city’s fullness, richness, and diversity of its history.
Pulitzer’s History with Fashion
Growing up, Pulitzer’s family owned the largest necktie company in the world, Wembley. Ralph Lauren is said to have credited her grandfather, Sam. C. Pulitzer with teaching him about the neckwear business. As a child, she accompanied her father, Arthur, on design and buying trips to Lake Como, Italy, designing her first tie to carry the Wembley brand at a mere 16 years of age.
After college, Alexa headed back to Lake Como to apprentice for Ratti, designers and esteemed silk printers behind haute couture collections such as Prada, Versace and Ferragamo which led to further apprenticeships in Paris and Milan. In 1994, Alexa returned to New Orleans, bringing her newfound skills in design, fabric and color to Wembley. She also brought the language, sensibility and aesthetic of Italy into her daily life and artistry.
A Fresh Take on Vintage Style
At Wembley, Alexa was drawn to the company’s paper printing shop, where she started creating notepads using her neckwear designs. It was here, unintentionally that her stationery company took root.
At Alexa Pulitzer LLC, Pulitzer’s witty and sophisticated style transforms stationery, note cards, invitations, napkins, cups, place cards and menus. Her art and textile design background imparts a fresh take on vintage engravings. Understated humor and updated design give her collections a subtly modern "pop."
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