From Canvas to Caftan: Inside The Mother-Daughter Design Duo Behind Ala von Auersperg

Ala von Auersperg stands apart as a brand with artful, effortless pieces designed to move with you. What began as the founder Ala’s personal journey into painting has blossomed into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, where every print originates from her original artwork and each garment is crafted to flatter and empower the wearer. Working alongside her daughter Sunny Zweig, who brings a modern lens and deep art historical perspective, the duo creates collections that marry style with ease and together, they’ve built a brand that transcends fashion celebrating the beauty of feeling at home in your own skin.

Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg

Haute Living: What shaped your creative vision? What experiences or background influenced your creativity?

Ala von Auersperg: A few years ago, I began painting and taking drawing classes at the Studio School in New York. I didn’t think I had any talent, but with a rigorous, inspiring teacher, I found myself loving it. One day, a friend—who designs clothes for me in Antigua—saw my artwork and suggested we digitize the paintings and turn them into fabric. That was the spark. From there, I collaborated with a fashion partner to design print-based garments that were flattering, wearable, and made women feel good in the moment. I was in my 50s, and it felt like the perfect time to try something new. This entire brand was born from that personal artistic discovery.

Sunny Zweig: I’ve always been drawn to art—I studied art history, taught it, and worked in the New York art world. So I naturally view everything through an art historical lens. I love referencing where my mom’s prints might have drawn influence from, consciously or unconsciously. There’s something powerful in understanding how history repeats itself in art, and I enjoy connecting those threads to our designs.

HL: How did your family and upbringing shape your creativity?

Ala: I grew up in interiors filled with art. My mother and grandmother created beautiful, visual environments. It wasn’t until later in life that I thought I could create art myself, but once I started, it felt natural. My teacher was extremely strict about the fundamentals—measuring, understanding form—and that discipline gave me the freedom to later explore and abstract. I now believe anyone who studies art history should also be required to create—it makes you understand art on a much deeper level.

Sunny: We both studied art history and were raised around a deep appreciation for art, architecture, and nature. Our environments—whether the gardens of Newport or the tropical beauty of Antigua—have shaped our perspectives. The lush flora, rich colors, and natural textures constantly inspire us.

HL: What materials do you work with in your collections?

Ala: We use stretch silk, silks, and breathable fabrics that mimic linen and cotton blends. Our goal is to blend elegance with practicality. For example, we’ll use a slightly compressive underlayer beneath a sheer mesh overlay. That way, you can decide how much of the body you want to reveal. Many pieces are designed to be multifunctional—you can wear them to a beachside lunch, out for dinner, or even to a wedding. I believe luxury means packing light but feeling great wherever you go.

Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg

HL: What’s your creative process like?

Ala: It begins with a painting—sometimes a flower I spotted in Antigua or a photo a friend sent me. I interpret the shape, abstract it, and then repeat it across the canvas. From there, we digitize the painting and manipulate the artwork on screen. My partner and I adjust layout, color saturation, and composition digitally, which saves time and sharpens the vision. Once the fabric is printed, we move on to silhouettes and garment construction. Sunny handles styling and photoshoots, which are also deeply collaborative. It’s a layered process that blends artistry, technology, and intuition.

HL: How do you collaborate as a mother-daughter team? What are the strengths and challenges?

Sunny: It’s deeply rewarding, and also uniquely challenging. The strength is seeing each other grow professionally—we’re learning who the other is outside of the typical mother-daughter roles. But there’s also more pressure. We expect more from each other because it’s personal. We’ve had to create boundaries, like clarifying, “Am I talking to you as my boss or my mom right now?”

Ala: We’ve worked together for nearly a decade. It’s brought us closer, but it requires discipline. If we have a deadline, personal plans pause. We’ve learned to communicate openly and give each other room to evolve. It’s a balancing act, but one that’s ultimately made the brand—and our relationship—stronger.

HL: How do you incorporate timelessness and trends into your designs?

Sunny: We’re not trying to chase trends. Our focus is on timeless pieces that women can wear year after year. Think of the perfect little black dress or a printed caftan. Each season, we might introduce a few trend-forward pieces, but our core remains rooted in enduring elegance.

Ala: We’re aware of seasonal color trends, but we don’t feel bound by them. If a print returns, it’s because it’s timeless, not dated. Some fans might recognize older prints and want newness, but for many others, it’s their first time discovering it. That mix keeps things fresh without sacrificing the brand’s identity.

HL: What’s your approach to sizing and inclusivity?

Sunny: Our stretch pieces range from 00–26, and our tailored cotton styles go up to size 22. We want to dress as many shapes and sizes as we can, though as a smaller company, we have limitations. Our goal is always to create flattering pieces that accommodate evolving bodies, especially for women going through postpartum, midlife changes, or just different phases of life.

HL: How do you build sustainability into your brand?

Ala: Everything is made in New York. We use sustainable packaging, repurpose leftover fabric into accessories like bags and headbands, and aim for zero waste. Any unsold inventory is donated to a nonprofit in Philadelphia, where proceeds support services for women and children. Our goal is to create responsibly, with as little environmental impact as possible.

Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg

HL: What’s your proudest moment so far?

Ala: Seeing someone I didn’t know walking down the street in Palm Beach wearing our clothing—that was surreal. It felt like we had broken through.

Sunny: Whenever friends send us photos of strangers wearing our pieces, it’s the ultimate affirmation. Our prints are recognizable, and it’s wonderful to know the brand is becoming part of women’s lives in the wild.

HL: How would you describe your brand’s mission in one line?

Sunny: We started with “Become your own masterpiece,” and evolved into “Become the Wow.” That moment when a woman puts on a piece, feels incredible, and knows she looks amazing—that’s what we’re about.

HL: If you could dress one historical figure, who would it be?

Sunny: Catherine de Medici. She was a powerhouse behind the scenes, a patron of the arts, and always present yet strategic. She had influence without flash—a perfect match for what we aim to express with our pieces.

HL: How do you evolve creatively and avoid burnout?

Sunny: Nature. I live in Litchfield County and go on walks through the woods. Disconnecting helps clear my head and recharges me creatively.

Ala: Swimming. I’m a water person through and through. Being in motion—whether walking or swimming—pulls me out of a creative block and back into flow.

HL: What’s a quote or philosophy you live by when designing?

Ala: Ease, comfort, and flattering silhouettes—those are our pillars. I want a woman to feel at ease in her body and truly beautiful, so she can be fully present in the moment. That’s the real luxury.

Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg

HL: How has technology changed your process?

Ala: We use 3D rendering software now to visualize prints on garments before we even make physical samples. It helps with sizing, scale, and seeing the final look early in the process. It’s a huge shift from the old way of creating flat sketches and going through multiple sample rounds—it’s saving us time and allowing for more precise artistry.

Ala von Auersperg is available online, in Palm Beach and Newport, as well as through select retailers. Now through April 30, shop Ala von Auersperg at La Bonne Vie pop-up shop in Naples, FL, located at Camargo Court next to Jane’s Cafe on 3rd on Third Street South.

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