Getting to know Fashion Week Tampa Bay designer Alexandra Lin

Last week we had the opportunity to sit down with Designer Alexandra Lin showcasing her Spring/Summer ’15 collection on the Fashion Week Tampa Bay runway. Alexandra Lin is proof that it is never too late to follow your passion. After many years of teaching and writing curriculum, she was asked, “Why are you changing careers?” Her answer was simple: LOVE.

Fashion allows Alexandra to express her love of differences. People often refer to how much they are similar. “We are so much alike,” is often said when we meet new people. Alexandra feels that the adventure found in life is the most exhilarating when we celebrate what makes each of us unique and different.

Luevo:  What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to our fashion label?
A.L.: I am most proud of the people that have chosen to join me on this journey. The brand means nothing without the people that believe in the spirit and love radiating from every garment.

Luevo: What is your favorite thing about being a designer? What path would you has followed, had you not become a designer?
A.L.: My favorite thing about being a designer is being able to take what is happening inside and expresses the ideas externally. I don’t think there is another path; it took a while to find this one.

Luevo: What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?
A.L.: The wide ranges of cultures, generations, and personalities I have met have shaped every aspect of my design aesthetic.

Luevo: What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?
A.L.: I have Lupus. It is a very unpredictable autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack itself. You can’t really overcome Lupus, so just have to face it every day.

Luevo: What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?
A.L.: “My Fair Lady”, the 50th anniversary of the film is this year. The colors and patterns represented in the film are repeated in the collection.

Luevo:  What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
A.L.: The moment when you turn around and “wow” you feel great. (In one of my designs)

Luevo: What was the turning point in your career that made you say, “Yes I’ve finally made it”?
A.L.: I can’t say I have made it yet, but I can say I wouldn’t be where I am without a lot of family and friends support.

Luevo: How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?
A.L.: My process of inspiration begins with a person, not just how I see them, but how others see them. How people sound, move, and interact inspire a story that unfolds through fabric and silhouette. Maybe, it is someone I see at the grocery store, or perhaps on the subway, people are ever changing so it never becomes stale.

You can soon pre-order Alexandra’s latest Spring Summer 2015 collection straight from the runway here.