Eugene Alexander, created by Florida natives Eugene Stutzman and Alexander Wallace, is a brand known for uncompromisingly detailed couture gowns that beautifully captured the glamor of the 1980’s. The brand has been worn by Whitney Houston, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ivana Trump. Their work is most famously featured in the movie Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts sheds her past and stuns in a red velvet Eugene Alexander gown at the end of the film.

The story of Eugene Alexander somewhat echoes the rags to riches storyline of Pretty Woman. Co-founder Alexander Wallace used to masquerade as a delivery boy and visit major department stores to try and sell his designs. Eventually Bloomingdales decided to buy an Eugene Alexander original, a black velvet jacket, and the item was an instant success. Their designs have been inspired by the art world, Matisse’s cut outs were a great influence in many of their color-blocked patterns.