How designer Anthony Alvarez is breaking away from dystopian worlds and discovering his voice one seasonal collection at a time.

“I still can’t believe everything that happened,” says the 30-year-old creative from outside his 3rd arrondissement studio. He was in the final days of preparation for his Spring/Summer 2024 menswear show when we connected over Zoom, reflecting on his journey in a calm moment in between fittings. “It’s just very reassuring,” he shares.
Alvarez’s rise in the industry has been quiet but steady. You may not know his work yet, but that will soon change. After all, his bohemian, subculture-inflected streetwear label has caught the eyes of everyone from Timothée Chamelet to Rosalía to Pedro Pascal. The warm, skate, surf and nomad-inspired garments—chock full of references to <a href="https://www.goat.com/collections/90s-inspired">’90s</a> and <a href="https://www.goat.com/collections/2000s-streetwear-classics">’00s</a> pop culture—hit the current cultural zeitgeist with a resonance that feels intuitive. After a wave of dystopian collections and dark, borderline nihilistic statements, brands like Bluemarble are telling a story based around optimism and community, or at least tapping into the possibilities of escapism and the little moments that keep us going.
Alvarez's path to fashion hasn’t been a conventional one. Before founding Bluemarble in 2019, he studied economics at Cornell University, then worked in finance. “It was a 180 degree turn between finance and fashion,” the designer muses of his transition. “Taking the plunge from finance to fashion happened at a moment in my life where I had a deep need to express myself creatively. My brand reflects my values, my story, my memories, my travels and the people I’ve met. Really the core of Bluemarble embodies a certain form of nomadism, free-spiritedness and a feeling of escapism.”

The brand is heavily inspired by Alvarez’s own background and the diverse community he connects with. His mother is French and his father Filipino-Spanish. The two met in the U.S. and Alvarez lived in New York until he was 8. “I grew up in a multicultural family,” he explains. “Growing up, I was surrounded by these diverse cultures and I found the exchange of different customs and traditions from both sides of my family very enriching.”
His designs express the memories, plural cultures, dreams, travels and lineages that shape him and his value system. The name Bluemarble comes from Apollo 17’s 1972 photograph of Earth from space; the first image of our planet from above that at once made us feel so small and overwhelmed by awe. Paris’ young artists scene is likewise a constant source of inspiration. “They’re fearless,” he comments. “Fearless to express themselves. They push boundaries and they break conventional norms.”&nbsp;
Extreme sports are also a major reference. Alvarez takes time to travel with friends to surf and disconnect on the west coast of France in the summer. Past collections look to traditional Filipino vinta boats, translated to oversized parka jackets covered in sail patterns; skate and surf culture (think: baggy pants in pastel hues); and the visual codes of Mardi Gras and the Venice Ball coming to life as rainbow faux-fur coats and sequined pinstripe shirting.

The SS24 collection builds off the modern bohemianism of Alvarez’s visual language. He incorporates tie-dye, surf documentaries from the ’60s and ’70s, and the pragmatism of technical apparel for the sports he practices into these new designs. “I draw my inspiration from optimism and joy,” he says of the collection. “This is why I incorporate vibrant colors in my design, and I emphasize the human touch through handmade embroideries—and I think my three cultures inspire my designs a lot.”
He brings in the warmth and artisanal craftsmanship from the Philippines; sportswear and workwear archetypes, and a fascination with music and entertainment from America; and materials and the culture of savoir faire from France. The baggy skater jeans “crash with hand-embroidered rhinestones,” he adds. “It's a piece that's really important for us and the Bluemarble DNA. This is really an iconic piece for us even though we’re still a young brand.”

He’s slowly building the archetypes of a brand looking to embrace a more nuanced and hopeful identity, connecting with a larger community that speaks his language. There’s a playfulness to what he designs, and an unbridled joy. The future of the brand is also optimistic, and held close. “We’ve been through a lot for a young brand because there are so many emotions, whether we’re talking about the last year or launching in 2019 and having to adapt to the pandemic,” says Alvarez. “It's so important for me to continue building my team with the people who have been there from the beginning and to see the brand develop. It's also about focusing on where I want to take it and making the right decisions.”&nbsp;
Look for upcoming pop-ups around the world, eyewear and, if Alvarez has anything to say about it, muses A$AP Rocky and Mona Tougaard sporting his designs. “It’s very exciting,” says Alvarez. “We take [our core pieces] to another level every season and continue growing our community around the world. We’re excited for the journey to continue.”

BLUEMARBLE Bicolor Denim Pants 'Bicolor'

BLUEMARBLE Folk Checkerboard Print Overshirt 'Blue'

BLUEMARBLE Folk Checkerboard Print Shorts 'Blue'

BLUEMARBLE Kellys Twill Sneaker 'Cream'

BLUEMARBLE Printed Silk Short-Sleeve Shirt 'Multicolor'

BLUEMARBLE Belted Pocket Pants 'Khaki'

BLUEMARBLE Pocket T-Shirt 'White'

BLUEMARBLE Cargo Pants 'Navy'

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