Fashion is fickle. As Heidi Klum says, one day you’re in, the next day you’re out. One shining star who’s consistently stayed in style is Alan Bilzerian (alanbilzerian.com). For more than 50 years, the Worcester native has been at the forefront of Boston’s fashion scene with his eponymous highend boutique and unique collections known to attract A-list artists like Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. “I have an unusual aesthetic, and it projects a certain personality,” says Bilzerian. “People are always looking to be an individual. When they find somebody who has a balance to what they’re doing, they find me.”
.jpg)
After earning a degree in finance from Nichols College, Bilzerian found fashion following a trip to Europe. He opened his first store in Worcester in 1967 before landing on Newbury Street in 1980. Bilzerian has worked out of his current store—featuring designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Carol Christian Poell and Rick Owen—on the street since 1984 and also has a location in Newton. Bilzerian credits his success to always staying on top of the latest developments coming out of places like Asia and Europe. “Continuity only comes from keeping your finger on the pulse,” says Bilzerian. “It’s a matter of watching culture.”
Another secret to his success is family. While his daughter Harley heads up the women’s collection, Bilzerian works closely with his wife, Bê, an acclaimed designer with whom he fell in love during his travels abroad. As partners in business and life, Bê believes their respect for each other’s ideas is the key behind their good fortunes. “I think that we fell in love because of our mutual respect and interest,” says Bê. “It’s because we’re so passionate about the fashion and discovery of what is great.”
Photography by: Photography by Ned Jackson
