MODA Designer Profile: Alex LaBossiere-Barrera
Alex LaBossiere-Barrera is a second-year majoring in Economics and Computer Science and minoring in Architectural Studies. When he’s not designing for MODA’s show and writing for the magazine, Alex keeps himself busy with Varsity Swimming, Rockefeller Business Management, Edge Entrepreneurship, Midway Ventures, and Fire Escape Films.
I’ve known Alex since the beginning of first year and loved wearing his designs on the runway last year. I’m excited to model for him again this year, and he was kind enough to answer some questions I had about his upcoming collection!
What are some sources of inspiration for your collection?
My work for the show this year rides off of a lot of little points of dissatisfaction with what I ended up with last year, especially construction and detail-wise. Stylistically speaking, I’m looking to expand on what ended up being a very pragmatic collection and adding more subtle elements of things I like—Japanese Americana, elegant functionalism, and a sort of crossing of dress codes. I’m also drawing from other collections I liked last year, especially whoever made those incredible hanten kimono jackets. I don’t wear anything particularly interesting, so I also tend to draw a lot of inspiration from people I see in passing day-to-day.
Have you ever done fashion design work before? What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?
I did DBC last year, which I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to get involved in clothing design. It was an incredibly rewarding process, but my own inexperience made the collection-making process pretty rushed and left a lot to be desired. I’ve practically been working on this collection since last spring, but in doing so I’ve learned a lot of new techniques, which has left me with some pieces I’m really proud of.
What are you looking forward to most about the show?
Finishing.
Who do you have in mind when you’re designing?
To give the same answer I did last year, people who aren’t afraid to scuff their clothes up a little. They’re meant to be worn, so wear them. I think the whole notion of modern fashion tends to push for cool but pretty impractical pieces—vastly more aesthetic than regularly wearable. I like to try and find a balance between form and function.
If you could give yourself any advice on the design process, what would you say to your younger self?
Sweat the details. Putting in that extra work construction-wise may not seem like a huge deal, but it makes a world of difference when your clothing actually sits on someone.
What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?
The fact that you never really know what you’re going to end up with. I don’t know if this rings true for others, but my initial sketches never look anything like my final product.
Note: Collection-making and other creative projects documented on @leff.tv on instagram and www.leff.tv. Select pieces for sale online after the show.
