Contemporary Denim Artist
Otto Alexander
Latest Series: El Diablo pocket evolution
‘EL DIABLO’
Descending are images of the development of the new Otto Alexander jean. Photo by photo shows you the process of embroidering the iconic Denim Mask.
About Otto
Recently completing his MA in Fashion at the Royal College of Art, Otto Alexander Smith is an artist specialising in knitwear and denim. Before completing his BA in Knitwear from Nottingham University, he spent two years working as a Tailoring Assistant where he gained a deep understanding of creating bespoke garments for customers.
Portfolio
“EL DIABLO” || Focusing on simplistic commercialism
Recently I have started to engage with the idea of simplicity, to make my products more commercial viable for audience. In the future the commercial side of the company will allow me to invest more into the ‘Haute Couture’ of Otto Alexander.
Fashion Show | LIVERPOOL
I had the pleasure of presenting my collection at Liverpool’s first fashion show. The object of this event was to bring fashion to the north. To allow creatives to express their capabilities and talents from up north of the UK and give them a platform to showcase.
GODS OF SUSAN || Dramatsue
The concept for my final year collection at Nottingham Trent (BA Knitwear and Knitted Textiles) is dedicated to my mother. A personal reflection of my perception of her. I want to express my love, gratitude and appreciation. Gods of Susan is a depiction of my mother’s characteristics. Due to covid our production was limited so “Dramatsue”; God of dramatics and theatrics was chosen for further investigation.
At the beginning of curating Dramatsue, a conversation was held with my mother to discuss what dramatics and theatrics means to her, which lead me down the road of ancient theatre. Captivated by expressive silhouettes and timeless energy I began illustrating and toiling these expressive silhouettes. Fabrication was captured by the overflow of wealth and royalty during this period – using the colour red and silks to express this.
It seemed only right to curate Dramatsue in this way: powerful and elegant in turn, my perception of my mother allowed me to curate Dramatsue, a god of power, elegance and theatrics, a beautiful connection between my mother and her characteristics.
In Loving Memory
Denim is historic, you have a history, denim has a future, you have a future, denim is present, as are you, use the strength, the stiffness, the protection, don’t be afraid to make it soft, velvetise the fabric, soften your hard exterior, intimidate with vulnerability, weakness does not exist, expression is power, letting people in is courageous, allow your personality, your identity, to absorb into the fabric, and truly show you, denim is my second-skin, denim is my power-skin, denim is my soft-skin, denim is me, I am denim
“I have been building my own archive of denim with variations of distressing, scarring, and ageing. The swirls expressed throughout the pieces relate to the moments before the passing of his Grandmother. Allowing that memory to live on, just like a photograph or a memento.
Furthermore, I express how denim can absorb my words, portray my past, and protect my wounds. Allowing me to glide into the future wearing its armour and allowing me to be in full control of his past. Instead of allowing my past to control me.
Community is a huge aspect of my work. I want to encourage the community’s historic makeup, if that is trauma or upset, to be worn. To embrace our past and wear our history for the future.”
Services
ready to wear
Otto Alexander provides the opportunity to purchase products straight off the shelf. These pieces can also be the foundation for made to measure products.
Made to Measure
Specially created pieces where you can choose from various cloths, silhouettes, and characteristics. To enable me to turn your imagination into an Otto Creation.
Reparing
Turn your clothes into mementos. At Otto Alexander, you can give your ripped jeans some love. Lifetime guarantee included.
CV
With a wealth of experience, I would love to have the opportunity to talk with you about working together. The link below will allow you to download a copy of my CV.