Named the “King of Pants” by The New York Times, designer Alvin Valley’s journey revolves around Miami and, of course, pants. Born in New York City and educated at the University of Miami — where he studied architecture — Valley’s designer roots are firmly planted with Miami fashionistas. In 1995, he dressed Miami’s social scene with his eponymous label, sold at his Coconut Grove boutique nestled on Commodore Plaza. Best known for crafting the best-fitting pants for women, New York socialites beckoned him to open a SoHo atelier.

“In 2000, I packed my bags and left for New York to pursue a wider audience,” Valley says. He showed regularly during New York Fashion Week with a presence in over 250 stores worldwide — including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Intermix, and Fred Segal. Hollywood embraced him too. Alvin forged close relationships with clients including Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana, Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, Cindy Crawford, Madonna, Cher, Cameron Diaz, Celine Dion, and Jennifer Garner.

In 2007, the Moret Group acquired the Alvin Valley brand, expanding its distribution to Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and QVC. Today, Alvin is returning to his roots: “I’m going back to the basics and bringing back my amazing pants. I feel like my life is coming full circle.”