by Samantha Baize
Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, it didn’t take long for Courtney Alexander Russell, designer of chic apparel line August Alexander, to make his way south. After working as a tailor’s apprentice in New York, Russell knew that he wanted to grow with a promising city…and Dallas was just the place he wanted to be. One of the few local designers who creates both men’s and women’s apparel, Russell certainly stands out against his competitors. From classy gowns to premium denim, August Alexander appears to be building an empire. He offices out of West Village and delightfully compares the uptown location to New York’s eclectic Soho.
Subdued in mannerism and artistically put together himself, you can imagine the detail that Russell puts into his work. We conducted our interview in the “inspiration room”, a tiny cave in his studio filled with samples and sketches. I was dying to know where he gathers his inspiration. His answer was simple. “Everything is basically inspired by women. Everything surrounds a woman. With so many different body types, there’s always something new. The inspiration is like a breath of fresh air,” says Russell.
The clothes that he has delicately placed around his retail studio are compelling if nothing else. For women, he tends to lean toward sexy 60’s inspired hemlines and patterns, ranging from tunics to florals to hot pants. His color palate is often bold but sometimes subtle, offering fashionistas a range of options while staying true to a loyal sense of style. Although some of his designs may have a vintage feel, he incorporates current trends throughout in order to appeal to a contemporary customer.
For a more masculine look, step over to the men’s side of the studio and drift into a world of blazers, v-necks and collared shirts. It may sound redundant until you see the fabric, pattern and color choices that advertise Russell’s artistic nature through and through. From the traditional to the outrageous, I’m confident that all men will find something worth slipping on at August Alexander, a rarity for a men’s line.
A true artist of our time, Courtney Alexander Russell is quietly sitting in his studio, dressed to the nines and composing something special. If you don’t have an August Alexander piece hanging in your closet, I strongly suggest you stop by www.augustalexander.com and embark on a sincere fashion adventure. You’ll be glad you did. 
