Alexandra Taylor: Advocacy Through Fashion

By Yasmin Jorge

Meet a designer by nature: Alexandra Taylor’s interest in fashion, design and the self-expression of dressing oneself were evident ever since she can remember. High school years were spent learning more about fashion design and her own personal style and aesthetic. An education in the fashion department at Parsons School for Design solidified her goal for a career in the field.

“The blend of fashion studies as well as social and cultural studies in relation to design ultimately spurred my aspirations to become a designer and create a company and collections that could combine many of my interests,” said Taylor. “With this, I was able to then combine my passion for humanitarian work with my fashion studies, and more.”

For Taylor, her craft is truly worthwhile since her clothes are both lovely and meaningful. Her pieces make women feel comfortable and confident, and also enable her to make a personal statement and advocate for a cause. For example, the young designer’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, presented during NYFW, was inspired by the natural depletion of arctic glaciers.

“The imagery that I came across while researching was beyond inspiring and touching. On one hand, it is extremely saddening to see such rapid reduction in the Arctic landscape, and on the other it really propelled me to take the opportunity to advocate for another cause,” noted Taylor. The budding designer successfully uses her collection as a platform to showcase the environmental dilemma, and this is terrific. Her inspiration can be seen through details such as the digital print on a button down cotton voile top, which is an abstract look of the interior of a glacier. Also, the color palette of tones of blue, white, and gray are pulled from the landscape of the harsh glaciers juxtaposed against the organic flow of the water.

Taylor is an interesting face in the luxury fashion landscape. She is also a discerning chic consumer. Some favorite pieces from her own collection include the printed cotton voile button down, a double weave silk blazer, and an asymmetrical silk-cotton jersey full-length dress. Never a slave to current trends or specific labels, she wears a variety of brands and prefers to dress in whatever makes her most comfortable and confident. However, she is a great fan of many Italian designers, such as refined and luxurious RTW from Prada, Miu Miu, Marni and Missoni. She also relishes YSL for amazing tailoring; and Stella McCartney, Preen, and Prabal Gurung for modernity.

The biggest staples in Taylor’s closet are a tailored blazer, a white button down, a great fitting pair of jeans, the perfect LBD, and a wide range of shoes and accessories that can bring together any outfit.

Fall 2011 Collection

Shop for Taylor’s Fall/Winter clothing and accessories at http://www.alexandrataylor.net, and this fall in various stores in NYC. Look for updates on her website. Made of natural fibers including cotton and silk, her garments are so wearable, conscious, and refined. The designer worked hard executing her collection and show for NYFW, she barely had time to catch a few shows. Well, we’re glad she did!