Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexus Sandlin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a 23 year old creative born and raised in Dallas, TX. Growing up, I never really thought about fashion design. I actually wanted to be an actress, loved performing for my family. Played soccer most of my life, thats my tomboy side for sure. I do love sports but it doesn’t give me the feeling that fashion design gives. I took a sewing class in high school and participated in a fashion show junior year, I remember working so hard and being so excited for the opportunity. That’s where it really started for me, I got so much positive feedback and thought maybe I could really do this. Ever since then, I’ve been designing, mostly self-taught. I’ve learned so much about patterns, techniques, etc. from YouTube videos. I’ve done pop up shops, fashion shows, and I love putting together photoshoots to better present my vision! Right now, I’m just working full time and trying my best to squeeze in design time. I have so many ideas and I can’t wait to show them!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Without the struggles, I wouldn’t be where I am today so I’m thankful for the difficult times. I’ve cried, took some of my anger out on my sewing machine, I’ve been discouraged, it’s not easy, it’s a lot of hard work and learning. I’m not a seamstress and doing it all alone has been very challenging. Literally, no help what so ever. I’m okay with that though because I’m positive I can be successful in doing this. When people tell me they love my designs, it makes me go harder! Times get hard but it feels good when you keep doing what you love, no matter the obstacles.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a fashion designer/stylist. I love working with textures and bright colors. My creations can be risky and it’s very intentional, who doesn’t want to feel sexy? I love making pieces that are detailed and innovative, fashion repeats itself but I try to put a twist in everything I do. Most of my inspiration comes from the 70s-90s era. such a bright and creative time. Chanel, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, Rhianna, Alexander Mcqueen, Kimora with Baby Phat, I could watch all of their fashion shows… all my favorites! I think I stand out from other designers because my vision is very inclusive, women need to feel powerful and beautiful no matter their shape or complexion. Every photoshoot or fashion show, I look for diverse models so that everyone can find someone to relate to in my clothing and see what might look best on them! I’m mostly proud that people support me and show mad love to my designs. Literally keeps me going and I don’t want to stop.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been such an energetic, funny, outgoing person. I was a bad kid growing up in school. Things went on at home that made me angry but I was mostly happy always kept it going. Loud, crazy lil kid, always in the office I just loved being a class clown. Never shy I wanted to be in the spotlight at all times. I participated in talent shows every year in school. I loved to sing, act, dance, just to perform in general. My closet included filas with the velcro, k swiss, phat farm but also a lot of pink skirts with sequins literally a girly tomboy. I would switch up styles all the time, love a little change in the wardrobe. I was always outside most of my life, hated being inside the house. I also played with dolls, Brats were my favorite to play with had so much fun dressing them up! The clothing for them passes up Barbie for sure. I think that’s why my clothing is a good balance between masculine and feminine, but of course, I want the women that wear my clothing to feel like their the baddest walking in the room!
Contact Info:
- Website: Lexnykole.com
- Email: contact@lexnykole.com
- Instagram: alexusnykole
- Twitter: alexusnykole
- Other: ig: shoplexnykole 2nd page
Image Credit:
My favorite photographer to work with is @lunarkris with @krisvisuals; I try to always stick with an all-girl gang and shes also Dallas based!
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