Alara

CM: How would you describe your identity as a designer in a few words?

My designs and self identity is ever changing and evolving but one thing that remains consistent is my need to create something pristine, prepossessing, and provocative.

CM: What inspired you to become a designer and start creating fashion?

My drive to create fashion stems from my need to make a change in the world. I received my morals from my mother, and my best-friend’s family who own a non profit animal conservation organization. Growing up in San Francisco I quickly saw how much was wrong in the world, from human rights to climate change. I wanted to have a voice and make an impact. I am good at being creative and feel satisfied knowing I can use my talent to send a message and leave a positive mark.

CM: What concept or message drives your work?

I strive for my work to be used as a tool, useful to inspire, highlight what could be usually disregarded and the voice for those who feel represented by what I do and the messages behind my work.

CM: Where do you draw inspiration for your collections?

My designs stem from my perception of the world surrounding me. I’m a really sensitive individual and everything that I touch,see or hear could be the new spark for my next creative project. My inspiration comes from my past , my present and what I’d like the future to look like.

CM: Is there a personal story behind your journey as a designer?

My journey as a designer grew from my need to feel comfortable. When I was younger I felt uncomfortable all the time. In my mind, in my skin, in the world. It led me to a really dark place. I was mainly only able to find joy in clothing. It was a way to show the ‘good’ side of myself. My clothes could make me feel more secure in such an insecure world. The political climate, COVID-19, climate change, the world felt as though it was coming to an end. Everything around me felt so unsure. In a place where I didn’t have any control of what was going on around me or in my head, I could control what I wore and what I created.

CM: What is your approach to design? Do you start from an image, a fabric, a feeling…?

I always start my design process with research. With how oversaturated the fashion industry is nowadays it’s almost impossible to do something new, that’s why it’simportant to inform yourself as much as possible. You need to learn the rules to break the rules.

CM: How do you select the materials or techniques you work with?

I need to touch everything before I use it. There is no ordering fabrics online. I am very sensitive to how things feel on my body and I want whoever is wearing my garment to feel good inside of it.

CM: Is there a particular piece or collection you feel especially connected to? Why?

I feel most connected to my upcoming collection, Suffer Better. The first collection of mine that has a political approach.

CM: What are the core values that guide you as a designer (e.g., sustainability, craftsmanship, inclusivity)?

Sustainability is a huge value I hold very close to me. In the fashion industry it is impossible to do things 100% sustainably and with zero waste. As pessimistic as this sounds, it’s important to recognize. Once this fact is addressed, we can stop trying to falsely advertise things and take action on realistically cutting out waste and mass production.

CM: How do you relate to the concept of ethical or sustainable fashion?

Ethical and sustainable fashion is a hard topic. New guidelines are already set in place for Copenhagen and London fashion weeks and these guidelines will quickly become an industry standard if we continue to care and vocalize our concerns.

CM: Who do you envision wearing your creations? What does your ideal

community look like?

My circle consists of people who are sure of themselves. People who believe strongly in things and have a set of morals they carry with them in their day-to-day life. My persona is brave, refined and self-assured.

CM: What has been the biggest challenge in your journey as a designer so far?

The biggest challenge I have faced as a designer and a creative in general is self-doubt. There is always someone to impress whether it be a professor in school, my followers on social media, or even my friends and family. This insecurity has been my most consequential set back. I have learned to always believe in myself and my designs because if I don’t, who will?

CM: What does it mean to you to be “emerging” in today’s fashion world?

Even with all of my achievements so far as an emerging designer, it’s easy to disregard the importance they hold. I am always wanting more which I believe is a quintessential part of being creative. You should be proud of your accomplishments but never satisfied. The thing that keeps me going is my hunger for more.

CM: What is your long-term dream or goal as a designer?

My goal is to leave an impact. Whether it is in my close circle or world wide, I want to use my voice through my designs to speak for those who cannot and even to speak for myself when I otherwise wouldn’t.

CM: Is there a mentor, figure, or brand that has deeply inspired you?

Vivienne Westwood has always inspired me. Not only do I adore her designs but her thought process resonates with me. We want to change the world, to bring awareness to certain topics and one of the easiest ways to spread a message is to wear it right across your t-shirt. Fashion is the loudest, most powerful, and most accessible protest a person can have.

CM: How do you envision the future of independent fashion in the coming years?

I envision a beautiful future for independent fashion. With brands such as Loewe displaying their process of slow fashion across their social media and independent creators sharing process videos, more people are becoming aware of the time it takes to make beautiful clothes and realizing the value of slow fashion.

CM: What role do you think fashion plays today in storytelling or activism?

Fashion has always played a major role in storytelling and activism. A garment can provoke as many thoughts as a protest .

CM: ìAre there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re currently working on?

My newest collection speaks on new wave feminism. Titled, Suffer Better, I communicate the false sense of empowerment and oppression women still face during what is believed to be a progressive time. From afar the designs look beautiful, free, and empowering. Through masculine silhouettes and fluid forms I exhibit how women can use what’s traditionally regarded as masculine to embrace their new femininity to empower themselves.