Hello! Today's featured Ethical Fashion Festival designer is Alejandra Oyervides of Aleomoda and how she Creates a Slow Fashion Movement! I have had the pleasure of seeing her collections shown on the runway a few times now, including her latest collection; Terra-Grounded in Nature at FashioNXT. The collection was paired with headpieces from Just Joey Rose, which created a stunning combination of textures and colors.
Headpieces made by Just Joey Rose
Alejandro, originally from Mexico, has made her way to Portland, OR, where she has set up her shop and her home. As a designer, she focuses on slow fashion and uses all-natural materials such as linen and hemp in her garments. Her design philosophy is to create timeless pieces, often made to order.
Ale says; “slow fashion becomes a movement that is crucial for the fashion industry, that leaves a lighter footprint for generations to come. As awareness increases, the planet and all its inhabitants are set to benefit from this slower and more considered approach to fashion, and Ale for sure is committed to this.”
IFD: How did you end up in Portland?
I am from Monterrey, Mexico, and came here to study the language, art, and fashion. Portland captures my heart with all its beautiful nature scenes, its friendly people, and how conscious people are about caring about our planet.
IFD: What is your design training?
I took some basic sewing classes when I was young, but I consider myself a self-thought. I started my accessories and clothing line without any formal education, ideas on how to make stuff came from my dreams, but it took so long to get the result I was aiming for, so I decided to take classes at the Portland Fashion Institute.
IFD: We loved your "Two Souls" collection- What was the meaning behind it?
The Two Souls Collection:
“According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.” ― Plato, The Symposium
Alejandra Oyervides has explored the duality of genderlessness to bring forth The Two Souls Collection; a collection that embraces the separated parts of our all-to-often gendered fashion industry and imbues the wearer with the power that Zeus himself feared.
The designer’s approach to this collection not only makes room for the inclusion of both male and female forms but also of the four elements found in each season. With a palette of subdued colors, each of the four looks can fit seamlessly into winter, spring, summer, or fall while still dominating with layers that build their own landscapes.
IFD: Could you tell us a bit about your accessories? They are a big part of your work:
I am a big fan of recycled materials. I am always searching for that unique piece that can be transformed into a statement accessory to add a beautiful touch to your look. Geometrical pieces are my favorites.
"Slow fashion…buy with conscience, choose well, and make it last".
It’s time to leave fast fashion behind: with one-of-a-kind designs, luxe-feeling fabrics, and the assurance you’re dollars are supporting a more responsible fashion industry, slow fashion is sure to win you over.
Put simply, slow fashion belongs to the sustainable fashion sphere. It encompasses an awareness and approach to fashion that considers the processes and resources required to make clothing. It advocates for buying better-quality garments that will last longer and value fair treatment of people, animals, and the planet along the way.
Looking for slow fashion? Here is Ales's list of what makes a slow fashion brand:
Made from high-quality, sustainable materials like linen
Garments are more timeless than a trend
Often sold in smaller (local) stores rather than huge chain enterprise
Locally sourced, produced and sold garments
Few, specific styles per collection, which are released twice or a maximum of three times per year, or a permanent seasonless collection
Often made-to-order to reduce unnecessary production
Alejandra is one of our many featured makers in IFD’s Ethical Fashion Festival. Learn more about Ethical Makers and brands by following us virtually this season
🔦🛍 Our designer showcase and virtual series showcasing the amazing vendors, ambassadors, and partners helping us celebrate ethical fashion this holiday season.
🍿 Later in the month, we’ll hear directly from makers, social enterprises, and ethical fashion powerhouses through a docu-style video series.
Join in the conversation. Tell your friends, turn on our IG post notifications and buckle up for a holiday ethical fashion festival; celebrating ethically made brands ☺️
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