Alexander Smith: Veiled and Visible

Alexander Smith debuted his new clothing line at the Hook’d Fashion Show, presenting a striking interplay of sheer and opaque fabrics designed to both reveal and obscure the human form. His concept took shape during his time in Paris, where he studied fashion design and drew inspiration from the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, particularly the designer’s groundbreaking 1962 collection, known for its elegant minimalism and bold use of color blocking. “I was fascinated by the way he used organza to create silhouettes,” Smith said. “It adds an adage to the designs, but if done correctly, it can still feel classy.”

Smith’s passion for clothing design began early. As a child, he would stage mock runway shows with friends, using their parents as the audience. His creativity deepened in adolescence when he enrolled in sewing classes, where he gained the practical skills to construct original garments rather than source existing ones. Later, in university, he shifted his academic focus to Textiles and Apparel, devoting himself fully to fashion. This combination of hands-on technique, artistic vision, and designer influence culminated in a collection that made a clear statement as his models stepped onto the runway.

The first model, Josemanuel Vasquez, embodied a dramatic contrast of softness and structure, with black boots visibly jutting out beneath long, sheer pants. Strategic color blocking blurred the lines between the garments, making it difficult to tell where one piece ended and another began—yet the silhouette remained distinct. The transparency of the pants allowed the model’s form to shape the fabric, while the visible undergarments and boots introduced unexpected breaks in the visual line. The result was a silhouette both fragmented and whole, which explored concealment and exposure.

Model, Nichole Fish, wore a sheer, mid-length dress that showcased a deliberate play between softness and structure. While her undershorts were clearly visible, a dark layered top obscured where the transparent fabric ended along her torso, creating a silhouette that balanced fluidity with form. The dress moved delicately as she walked, yet retained a firm edge at its opaque intersections. This contrast to the male model’s look highlighted how Smith used each wearer’s anatomy to shape the garment, proving that individuality can be amplified rather than muted by design.

The final model, Ken Klefish, wore a predominately opaque ensemble with a subtle sheer panel just below the knee. This design choice underscored Smith’s versatility. His pieces could easily transition from runway to real life, while also nodding to overlooked elements of the body’s natural form. In contrast to current trends that conceal the calf with flared pants, boots, or leg warmers, Smith’s decision to reveal it emphasized his interest in reimagining the silhouette from the ground up.

Reflecting on the creative process, Smith explained that organza, a crisp, sheer fabric, was central to his vision from the start. From there, he developed a color story that blended blacks, blues, and soft neutrals to create cohesion across the three looks. Though initially nervous, he soon channeled that energy into crafting a positive experience for his models. After the show, Smith expressed pride and satisfaction in the final result; a well-earned moment of celebration.

This debut marks only the beginning of Alexander Smith’s journey as a designer. With a collection that fused innovation, elegance, and a deep understanding of form, he’s already shown a talent for redefining the fashion silhouette. By embracing the tension between concealment and exposure—and using the human body itself as a sculptural tool—Smith has crafted a voice that is both fresh and thoughtful. The future of fashion may very well be shaped by the transparency he so skillfully brings into focus.