Alex Palmer, the creative genius behind PALMER NOELLE (the other name is that of a free-spirited friend), is one busy woman who knows how to make other busy women look glamorous quickly and easily. With four kids, ranging in age from two to ten years old, it’s a wonder she has any extra time at all, what with the general mayhem associated with caring for a flock of young ‘uns.
“My uniform is black and black.” Palmer laughs.
But, tanks and leggings, while swell, are limited. “I throw these on,” she says, pointing to the gorgeous tunics and bibs surrounding us. One could definitely do worse. Much worse.
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class="photocaption" valign="top">ALEX PALMER. |
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Having been schooled in Europe, Alex began her fashion career doing production for Calvin Klein in 1991. She then took classes at F.I.T. in drawing, sewing and patterns.
When Calvin rejected her as a designer (bad bad Calvin! Slap slap!), she went to Beverly Hills Polo Club, where she designed men’s wear. “Everyone was wearing low-slung jeans and XXL t-shirts.” She recalls. “So, how do you change it? You change it by stitching on pockets!”
However, Alex wasn’t satisfied, so she answered a call from Calvin Klein Hosiery. “I wanted back into 7th Ave. hardcore. They were tight and orderly. It was very difficult work. I learned so much. It was my production experience with manufacturers at that level.
With these designers, there was no room for mistakes.” In addition, she happily immersed herself into focusing on colors, trends, textures, thickness and making the brand constantly new. I think I speak for all lay folk when I express surprise about how much thought goes into making and producing hose!
Then, Palmer’s life took a giant turn. She got married, moved to L.A., began working as a stylist, then fell into doing voice-over work. Along came the children. Unfortunately, the pressure on her diaphragm from the kids ended the voice-over career.
Her husband, who lived in China for three years, had expatriate friends from all over the world. One, a Brahmin who was educated in England, phoned wondering if “Steve’s wife” wanted to do some designing. His family owned a manufacturing facility and wanted to break into the American market. “I was totally frightened!” Alex recalls with a laugh. Her response: “I can’t do it! It’s too much! It’s too scary! I can’t take it on!” |
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Left: Velvet Topper Jacket, $495.
Above: Purple Chiffon geometric pattern Dress, $442. |
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Luckily they persisted. They sent her a gift and large swatches of fabric with beadwork attached. “I was hooked!” She says. “I still knew how to draw and one of the most difficult things in design is to find a manufacturer!”
So, Palmer sent over sketches and the manufacturer sent back the clothing made from the sketches. She uses no American fabrics. Instead, Alex travels to S.E. Asia, Dubai and India where she has to decide immediately what she wants based on swatches and whatever beads are available. Then, she and the manufacturer communicate by Skype.
Because the manufacturer has two children, “she gets it.” Says Alex. “It works. (We’re) always getting interrupted by kids.” And it is because they both “get it” that both make certain that absolutely no child labor is used. |
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Above: The Brown l/s dress, $380.
Right: White Chiffon Burnout with Pink Flowers, $442. |
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The materials used for the clothing are silk, velvet, silk chiffon (that comes with underpinnings), satin and cotton. All are hand-beaded. The price range is from $350-$450. Besides the tunics are dresses, tops and even a topper jacket. The materials are so light and the designs are so versatile, they are perfect for traveling.
And, between the bold colors, the figure-friendly fit and intricate beading, they definitely make an entrance. “My own personal style is juxtaposing prim-and-proper with some sort of tough-girl. In the 90s I was obsessed with wearing a Chanel tweed jacket with jeans and Converse sneakers. It sounds clichéd now, but I loved it then.” |
| Clockwise from top: Cream and Lavender Lily Dress, $442; Coral Dress, $336; Pink Silk Dress with Ruffles, $432; Pink Silk Dress with Ruffles beading detail; Cream and Lavender Lily Dress beading detail. |
The bibs are absolute conversation pieces. Palmer originally began making them because she fell in love with the beading and loves the look of neckpieces throughout history. “I like to imagine what I would have worn if I was running from Pompeii hours before it erupted, living in Florence during the reign of the Medici's or dancing at the court of Henry VIII,” she says.
Not that she doesn’t extend her fantasies to modern maids and maidens: When I see a woman in a tee shirt and jeans, I can picture her in a beaded necklace, whether she is going for a walk on Madison Avenue or walking east on Saint Mark's Place. Beaded necklaces instantly make a statement: ‘I care about what I am wearing’ ... at least that's my statement.” |
| Clockwise from top: Black Sequin Tunic, $460 (Closed & Open); Chartreuse and Lavender Tunic, $336; Chartreuse and Lavender Tunic beading detail; Black Sequin Tunic beading detail. |
She again addresses her love of pairing hard and soft elements: “Many of my beads juxtapose one element of pure with something a little more avant garde. I have many tulle covered beads and stones, leather flowers and rosettes.”
All bibs are completely handmade and range in price from $200 to $260. |
Clockwise from top: Chiffon Paisley Tunic, $474; Chiffon Paisley Tunic beading detail; Maharaja Bib Necklace (Glass stones, satin backing, velvet ties), $240; Green Jade Beaded Bib Necklace (Glass Beads, Tulle detailing, satin backing, velvet ties), $240; Nude Beaded Necklace (Glass and shell beads, rhinestones, satin backing, velvet ties), $240; Black Iridescent Necklace (Glass and metal beads, tulle detail, foil, rhinestones, satin backing, velvet ties), $240.
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