Ever dreamed of designing your own dress for winter formal? Becoming a world-famous fashion influencer? Running your own clothing boutique?
Let us introduce you to a gal who’s already making waves in the industry: 15-year-old Alexa Lopez from Los Angeles, California. She’s turning her Pinterest outfit boards into IRL inspo with her clothing line, Always Alexa Designs. From walking the runways in Los Angeles to getting her collection accepted to show in next year’s New York Fashion Week (nbd), Alexa is proof that you can turn your biggest passion into something real.
Between her busy sched of sketching and sewing, Alexa sat down with us to dish on what it’s like to design a dress collection—and walk some of the most iconic runways in the fashion world.
GL: How would you describe the style of your clothing line?
Alexa: I create dresses—fancy dresses that are youthful but also timeless. I think fashion doesn’t have an age. It doesn’t have rules. So, anyone could wear it, but it’s very girly, it’s feminine and it’s also sophisticated. I work with very sophisticated silhouettes.
GL: What’s your thought process behind creating a collection? Where do you get your inspo?
Alexa: A lot of my personal experiences, like my favorite colors or things that I see in everyday life make their way into my collections. And also seeing other designers: I love Dior, I love Chanel and I love taking inspiration from them. I work with corsets, ruffes and girly things—so I take inspiration from the Victorian era, too.
GL: What’s your favorite part about making a new collection?
Alexa: Seeing it come together at the end and seeing my vision come to life. I love storytelling through my designs. So the story that I wanted to show coming together and being a beautiful, finished product always feels really good.
GL: You also recently participated in San Diego and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks as both a designer *and* a model. What was that experience like?
Alexa: It was so amazing because San Diego Fashion Week was my first big fashion event. Seeing all of my designs on different people was so inspiring. And I got to model, too! That was super cool because I always wanted to be a model as a kid. And I just did L.A. Fashion Week, which was amazing. It’s so cool to get feedback from people about my designs.
GL: What’s next for you and Always Alexa Designs?
Alexa: I’m actually working on a new collection right now. I’m working with a lot of colors and fabrics that I haven’t used before. And I think the next step for me is getting more exposure: talking to more people, meeting more people, doing more fashion shows and being able to connect with more people through my brand.
GL: Sounds like an A+ plan. Can you tease the vibe for your next collection?
Alexa: It’s inspired by different birthstones. So I’m doing all of the birthstones, and I’m using really fun fabrics. It’s so exciting!
💖 Rapid-Fire Round with Alexa 💖
How would you describe your personal style?
“Playful and fun, and not afraid to take risks and try new things. I’m also very girly and feminine.”
What’s the one fashion staple you always have in your closet?
“A good, basic tank top. You can pair it with anything.”
What advice would you give someone who dreams of being a fashion designer?
“Fashion has no age, and creativity has no age. If you have a dream, you should follow it regardless of how old you are.”
In need of more trending content? We’ve got you covered:
✨ Check Out The New December/January Issue of Girls’ Life Starring Liamani Seguara!
✨ Know Before You Go: Freya Skye’s Acoustic Shows
✨ I Saw Wicked: Part 2 In Theaters…And Was Changed “For Good”
Images: @alwaysalexadesigns, @shotbyxizeng, @dwatkinsphotography