Meet Alexandria Richardson | Costume Designer, Tailor & Art Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandria Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandria, why did you pursue a creative career?
Becoming a creative was inevitable for me. At an early age I had a passion for arts and crafts, sewing, creating clothing and imaginative play. Although I always displayed strong academic skills, I always felt happiest when I was able to artistically express myself. Thankfully I had a mom who poured into my creativity such as placing me in art programs and contest.

When I first went away to college, I was studying Business Administration. Shortly after I had to medically withdraw. With that, I had a second at going to a university where I could study what I really wanted which was a BS in Textile and Apparel Management with an emphasis in Apparel Product Development.

When I first started Alternative Tailor back in 2017, it was to provide my fellow college undergraduate students with basic sewing services such as alterations and custom garments and pieces. I was on a campus where we hosted a lot of events that caused for special occasion attire. I immediately noticed a market for students who needed access to on campus sewing services. I felt confident in my sewing skills as it was my final semester of my program.

During my final years in undergrad, I also discovered my love for costume design. I gained an appreciated for film and theater in my high school Film Studies and Drama classes. I knew my experience as a seamstress would aid in strengthening my skills to provide a variety of sewing services within the costume world.

I am grateful to have married my love for the arts with my career in education as well. Shortly after undergrad, I began working for Chicago Public Schools as administrative personnel. I now teach high school level art. I am glad that my students get to learn from me while I am simultaneously gaining industry experience. I am grateful to be able motivate and inspire my students. That, in turn, motivates me to to keep going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am so proud of the experience and career that I’ve had thus far. All during my senior year of undergrad, I participated in a fashion and art show allowed me to realize that I am a real artist that can be respected. I volunteered at Kansas City Fashion week and gained my first behind the scenes industry experience. I also my alteration and custom apparel business, Alternative Tailor that year. Gaining all this experience so early gave me the confidence to tackle the real world fashion industry.

Post undergrad in 2018, I curated my own fashion show where I showed a 9 look collection titled “Asto-nautical”. After the show’s success, I began to receive more freelance request and made any and everything my clients wanted to build my portfolio and gain more practice. This year, I got the chance to serve as a Costume Production Assistant for Chicago Fire/Med/PD. This was my first paid industry opportunity and made me realize that I wanted a career in Costume Design.

In 2021, I began hosting sewing workshops. By offering that service, we aim to provide my clients with an unique, hands-on experience. This year, I also got my first studio space where I was able to see more clients and offer full-time sewing services. Alternative Tailor was also fortunate to be a participating designer for Chicago Fashion Week. A full circle moment after volunteering at for CFW in 2018.

In 2022, I began to gain more costume experience. I worked as a Costume Technician for the Chicago Mascot company. I was offered my first Head Costume Design position. That was my proudest moment to date. It was for Art On the Mart which was a short film production that showed every night from September 8th-November 17th directly on the Merchandise Mart building. It was so surreal to see my work and name on a building down town Chicago like that. I costume designed a production at the Harris Theatre for Ballet Chicago and served as a a wardrobe assistant for the Porchlight Music Theatre and thei production of Rent.

I most recently just served as the Costume Designer/Wardrobe Supervisor for Collaboraction Theatre Company and their Emmy winning production of “Trial of the Delta: The Murder of Emmet Till” at the DuSable Black History Museum. I am extremely proud of the progress I’ve made thus far. I know that there is so much to come and I am grateful to be doing what I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would be just as much as a tourist as they are. Although I love my city, I do not get out much. As a single mom of two who always have a least two jobs, getting out doesn’t happen as much as I would like it to. I would ensure we do find somewhere to get good coffee/breakfast and drinks/appetizers. I love museums and installations. Chicago has so much to offer, I’m sure we would not have a hard time finding things to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shout out my babies, Nasir who is 4 years old and Nina who is 1. I aim to inspire them to follow their dreams wholeheartedly. I don’t want them to feel boxed in by the world or that their aspirations are not obtainable. I wake up everyday wanting to make them proud and to create a world for them where they know that everything they want is possible with a little hard work, faith and dedication.

Website: alternativetailor.com

Instagram: tailored_alex

Facebook: Alexandria Nicole

Image Credits
Alexandria Richardson, Designer | Tailor