PEOPLE IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE RIGHT, DO IT YOURSELF A conversation with, Joshua McLeod of Victor + Alexander PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BREANNA EDWARDS WRITTEN BY TENISHA CLARKE 59
“Seriously, who wants to pay $150 for a t-shirt?” While we all know there is quite a percentage of people who don’t mind it, I’m sure those who prefer not to pay that amount (or simply can’t afford to) are far greater. Joshua McLeod, founder of the blog and online storefront Victor + Alexander, made it very clear that he believes in living a life of high fashion and glamour. But who says it has to be at the expense of owning pricey designer labels? Labels are great and most certainly have their place in the industry, but with companies like H&M, Forever 21, Zara and ASOS on the rise it’s almost impossible to differentiate between high and fast fashion labels. Even more so, there are tons of individuals who have taken to the art of DIY (Do It Yourself) fashion. In conversing with Joshua and viewing his blog and past and upcoming handbag collections, I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship and dedication that he puts into it all. “Basically it all started with a Jack Spade bag that I really needed in my life,” he says. “But the problem, like so many other things I want, was that it was too expensive. For all of my life I’ve lived by my motto, “If I can’t afford it, then I can figure out how to make it. And that’s what I did.” And there are so many others doing it as well. <strong>The</strong> first major project for Victor + Alexander, a collection of vegan leather handbags, launched in March of this year. Other projects featured on the blog cover a wide range of lifestyle categories including style, home, art and travel. Beyond the workroom of Victor + Alexander, there are tons of other project inspirations available from a number of individuals who have blogs and vlogs. Joshua mentioned some of his personal favorites, which include Mr. Kate, P.S. I Made This, Flax & Twine, and Martha Stewart. So the major question or concern I think would be whether or not the DIY craze poses a threat of some sort to the fashion industry? Potentially. It most certainly affects it, but not necessarily in a negative way. If we’re honest, a majority of people are far too lazy to go about making things on their own, especially not an accessory or an entire wardrobe. Joshua and I proceeded to discuss the matter and he believes that the projects done by major DIYers will simply open followers’ eyes to big name designers that they draw inspiration from. He puts it in a rather relatable ontext. “If Alexander Wang makes a pair of gold metallic harem pants and I absolutely have to have them, I make them. <strong>The</strong>n my followers are directed towards the original, and they look at his entire collection […] so they simply buy it themselves. In the long run, for me at least, its the high fashion labels that inspire my DIYs.” I drifted off momentarily at this moment just Imagining the amazing creation that would be golden pants by Wang. Um, yes please? <strong>The</strong>n we laughed off the thought of DIYers mass-producing designer quality clothing. That’ll be the day… While I may never develop the skills necessary to make half of the amazing things that Joshua does, there is something fascinating I think to us all, young and old, about being selfsufficient in any capacity. Find out more about Joshua, and Victor + Alexander at www.victoralexanderco.com.
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LEATHER PATCHWORK TOP & TULLE SKIRT
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“there’s really not an option t
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A candid response from the designer
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CHIFFON DRESS WITH VELOUR SLEEVES,
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DRESS BY LEAH MICHELLE SMITH
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CULTURE
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T oday there are approximately 9 bi
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STYLIST: TENISHA CLARKE MAKEUP: HAN
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E very generation has a great chall
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To find your individuality during t
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I n Transcendence, as Will continue
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Commodore Amiga computer equipment
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ALL SIGNS LEAD TO HERE Lawrence Mur
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Tell me a little bit about yourself
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CULTURE THE FUTURE OF FASHION How 3
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CULTURE DIGITAL AGE PHOTOGRAPHERS..
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PEOPLE PHONG DANG PDK Sounds WRITTE
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How would you describe the music th