Omaha Fashion Week is kicking off another season August 20-25, and we are thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
Alexis Amina found inspiration for her mens and women's wear collection on a recent trip to Africa to explore her roots. Vibrant prints, bold colors and varying silhouettes work to inspire all of us to learn a little more about where we come from.
Flowy skirts and fun fabrics will be hitting the runway in August! This is a prototype of an outfit that I'm interested in creating.
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
I had a rough childhood, and fashion was my creative outlet from the world. I first got into fashion while in elementary school, when I bought a Designer's Drawing Book from my school's Scholastic Book Fair. Growing up, I submerged myself in the world of fashion! I would faithfully watch Americas Next Top Model, play designer video games, and create clothes for my Barbies. In middle school, I subscribed to Vogue/Teen Vogue Magazine and would read up on the latest fashion trends. In the sixth grade I created a book called "Coles Collection", which was a large binder full of drawings, inspiration, and artistic ideas related to fashion. My sophomore year of high school I bought my first sewing machine, even though I didn't know how to sew or know anyone that did. I created small DIY projects like wallets and circle skirts. I stopped sewing until my senior year of high school and picked it back up my freshman year of college.
My vision board helps me through everything! From pulling inspiration, matching colors, and reminding me what my style is...Afrocentric!
Describe your brand and the point of view you wish to convey.
I go by the name Alexis Amina, but my brand name is LAME. LAME is an acronym for Love and Adore My Eccentricities. I was inspired to create LAME after years of being bullied in school for my physical features, the clothes that I wore, and the things that I was interested in. I was often called lame. My brand heavily uses African Print and Afrocentric Elements because I take pride in my African roots, dark skin, and nappy hair. I believe that everyone should be allowed to express him or herself without being criticized and bullied.
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My personal goals for my brand are to make colorful clothes with lots of texture and patterns. I'd love for LAME to become a well-known street brand in the Midwest and hopefully nation/worldwide. I would love to see my brand worn on the red carpet, in music videos/ television shows, and much more.
This is my favorite print that will be used through my collection - I have great ideas and plans for it!
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
My favorite project that I have worked on is a two-piece African Print Pant and Bell Sleeve Top (showcased on all of my social media sites) I made the outfit in two days, so that was a lot of fun.
To learn more about Alexis and her work, visit her website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram as she continues to prepare for the runway! And be sure to grab tickets to Omaha Fashion Week August 20th-25th!