Alexandra Kent

“Men’s bodies have never simply stood for sex; consequently, their clothes never have either. Pity the poor man who wants to look attractive and well dressed, but who feels that by doing so he runs the risk of looking unmanly.” (Craik, 1993)

The feminization of modern menswear has become more and more mainstream. My collection, The Divine Masculine, explores this trend by returning to the roots of traditional tailored menswear as opposed to embracing the standard stereotypes of feminine dress. Traditional menswear construction techniques provide men with a broader spectrum to express their individuality and divine masculinity. In my collection I deconstructed traditional menswear style lines into unique garments that men can wear to express themselves in original and positive ways while still keeping the tradition of tailored menswear alive.

Entering this program, I had just come out of a high school fashion program where my sewing teacher described my sewing on the daily as “sketchy”. I have had a love for sewing and fashion since I was enrolled in Textiles 8, though natural sewing talent lacked, I tried hard to make up for it in time and practice. Seeing my collection today and knowing how far I have come since my sketchy sewing days, makes me so proud to know all of that hard work has paid off.

Throughout this fashion program, I have changed drastically as a designer. I have learned of my love for pattern drafting and garment construction as well as my surprising love for menswear. I have learned the hard lessons of time management and organization (that jacket will take double the sewing time you think it will, 1st year Alex!), as well as the lifelong lesson that there will always be more to learn. My love for fashion design has only deepened throughout my time in this program and I am so excited to bring all I have learned into my future career.