On a breezy morning last week at the Soho Beach House, I was delighted to enter Soho’s Ocean front suite and preview the bright sunny new line from Toronto designer Aleks Susak.  Founder and Creative Director of BALESSA, Susak launched her initially self-named line in 2014 in Toronto, Canada. The inspiration behind the brand name resonates from Italian influences and Susak’s Serbian background.

Susak designs and produces ready-to-wear collections and specializes in luxury silk and leather garments that are made-to-measure and hand-painted under her Silk Collection line and Leather Collection line.  BALESSA includes, jumpsuits, wrap dresses, flared pants, halter tops and dressy shorts in gentle floral prints. My personal favorite, the caftan, can be “worn over a bathing suit or by itself,” according to Susak.  BALESSA’s center theme consists of flowing fabrics in gentle yellows, pinks, whites and aquas. The leather line has an edgier twist on florals with embroidery. Each item in BALESSA is one of a kind, but Susak will recreate pieces “slightly different” by request.

In light of the pandemic, guests were welcomed by invitation only to the trunk show with set times to assure proper Social distance parameters.  Shoppers were greeted by the gracious designer and William Reid of TARA, Ink. with Veuve Clicquot champagne, sparkling waters, and fresh pressed juices.  Beauty and the Board charmed guests with creative individual boxes of charcuterie, gourmet cheeses and breads.

Although the preview has ended, Aleks full line can be viewed on her website, balessaofficial.com and items can be customized by choice of color and P.S… as a bonus, there is no tax on any of the items. See you at the beach!