Designer Spotlight on… Frank Alexander
Frank Alexander, one of the Harriette Rose Katz Chosen Few members, has established himself as an influential event designer since 2004, when he launched Frank Alexander NYC, a full service event and design firm based in Manhattan’s inspiring East Village.
An expert at re-imagining challenging event sites while taking advantage of their unique design opportunities, Frank draws his inspiration from his richly layered surroundings, changing seasons, and architecture. With heavyweight clients including Tishman Speyer, Conde Nast, Bergdorf Goodman, and Louis Vuitton, not to mention his private wedding and event production clients, it’s no wonder he has people talking. We asked him to take us behind his design process and break down how to re-create one of his signature event styles.
Crafting events both nationally and abroad has taught Frank the importance of details and always having a backup plan, especially the day he arrived in San Miguel, Mexico during the running of the bulls. “Be prepared for anything, and have extra everything. The details are important, they make or break an event. Producing an event is all about creative customization,” notes Frank. “Everything we do is custom tailored to each client, taking the total environment into consideration. We take the client’s dream and vision and expand upon it to bring it to that next level.” His favorite decorating and event trends for the coming Autumn season: “We’re looking at a more sophisticated approach to Fall. Think richer, warmer tones and mixed metals to elevate the mood. Deep hued mercury glass, mix and match julep cups, and birch vessels from Jamali Garden can help achieve this feel.”
If you’re searching for something you can re-create beautifully year round, try drawing inspiration from one of Frank Alexander’s latest events, a wedding with a French aesthetic, below. “We wanted to take an industrial space and elevate it, so we focused on the juxtaposition between the old and the new, incorporating dining room chairs instead of traditional reception chairs, and bringing in candelabras and classic items such as crystal and pops of gold, silver and copper. The mix of materials and soft tones against the industrial space gave the setting a modern yet romantic feel.”
