Java.Jan.2017

No two fashion
designers share the
same story. That
said, Alejandra
Inzunza’s emergence
on the scene might
be particularly unique
and full of kismet.
The young Arizona-based designer graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix with her bachelor’s degree in
fashion design in June 2016.
Growing up in the border town of Douglas, Arizona, Inzunza says she never felt like she fit in. She was into
the arts, embraced her dark and moody side, and in her notebooks she liked to draw fairies, a form she says
probably sparked her interest in drawing women’s wear. “In high school, I had an obsession with fashion
magazines,” she says. “I always liked the editorial themes—especially Vogue.”
After high school, she served in the Marine Corps for four years. During this time, she moved around the
country a lot. She considered continuing her service in the reserves, but that idea was short-lived, and in her
early 20s she committed to pursue her interest in fashion.
Prior to graduating from the Art Institute, Inzunza made a splash as a guest designer at New York Fashion
Week in February. She had heard about a competition for young designers at school and decided to go for
it. Out of 40 finalists who were selected for the audition, she was one of a dozen who got to show their
looks in NYC.
Everything was handled professionally. Her school covered the costs of the trip and shipped her garments to
New York for the show. The walk was a success, and she has since received several requests from the media.
JAVA 13
MAGAZINE