Fashion Zone member Alexa Jovanovic on why representation matters in fashion
Fashion Zone member Alexa Jovanovic on why representation matters in fashion.
Photo credit: Margot Daley Photography
Alexa Jovanovic is a Fashion Communication grad and founder of fashion brand Aille Design (external link, opens in new window) . What began as a capstone project in her final year in the Fashion program at The Creative School, is now an emerging Canadian fashion brand that’s garnering a lot of media attention—including The Globe & Mail, blogTO, etalk, BT Toronto, and more!
Alexa firmly believes that good design should not exclude anyone. That’s why Aille Design clothing and accessories incorporate fully-legible Braille text using Swarovski crystals in an innovative and disruptive approach to design that is helping to move the industry forward. The beading communicates clothing characteristics to visually-impaired individuals such as colour, fit, textile and care instructions, while other messages are more inspirational, like the face masks which say, ‘mask on, chin up’. All garments are created in consultation with the blind, low vision and visually-imparied community.
Alexa chats with the Top 5 team at The Creative School about the inspiration behind her fashion line, launching her business with the Fashion Zone (opens in new window) accelerator at the Innovation Studio, and the inclusion of her Braille beaded masks at the Royal Ontario Museum (external link, opens in new window) as part of their current exhibition, "Unmasking the Pandemic: From Personal Protection to Personal Expression."
As Canada's fastest-growing incubator for fashion-inspired businesses, the Fashion Zone empowers creators, entrepreneurs and innovators who are redefining fashion. Watch more to find out who can apply to be a member of the Fashion Zone, what zone learning offers to aspiring entrepreneurs, and how students at The Creative School have leading-edge access to professional mentors, business start-up workshops, industry experts, funding opportunities and so much more!
The Creative School at Ryerson University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.