Eyes On Design

Twelve-Year-Old Designer ALEXANDRA BUJAN Is Taking on New Orleans Fashion Week

By CLAIRE BELL, Fashion Ambassador for New Orleans Fashion Week

When you think of an exceptional fashion designer, who comes to mind? Coco Chanel? Donatella Versace? Alexander McQueen? Your favorite Project Runway contestant? All of these designers have made legendary impacts on the fashion industry and deserve our awe and respect, but it’s time to make way for a new up-and-coming designer: Twelve-year-old Alexandra Bujan.

In addition to designing, Alexandra acts and makes music (one could call her a triple threat!). She has been acting for about five years and is currently auditioning for various roles and trying to expand her network and experience as an actress. She also enjoys playing the guitar and singing, using it as another creative outlet and to relax. One of her favorite things to do when not designing is teach herself how to play tunes by Ed Sheeran.

So how does this twelve-year-old balance her academic life with her fashion schedule? Humbly she replied that she likes to keep them as separate as possible. She doesn’t talk about her fashion life at school; in fact many of her classmates don’t even know that she is a designer. A few of her close friends have modeled for her, but besides that she keeps her two lives very separate.

Alexandra is from Pass Christian, Mississippi, and her interest in fashion design started at the age of seven when modeling. She was fascinated with watching designers work and was always enthralled with how designers managed to bring their ideas to life. At age ten she decided it was time to try her hand at designing.

When asked how she defines fashion, Alexandra said, “Fashion is anything that allows one to be expressive, comfortable, and condent.” She describes her own style as comfortable, but definitely unique. She is currently inspired by European and Russian trends. And, through social media, a world of designers is at her disposal to help guide her in defining her design aesthetic. “I’m just living in the moment for now,” Alexandra said.

In addition to designing, Alexandra acts and makes music (one could call her a triple threat!). She has been acting for about five years and is currently auditioning for various roles and trying to expand her network and experience as an actress. She also enjoys playing the guitar and singing, using it as another creative outlet and to relax. One of her favorite things to do when not designing is teach herself how to play tunes by Ed Sheeran.

So how does this twelve-year-old balance her academic life with her fashion schedule? Humbly she replied that she likes to keep them as separate as possible. She doesn’t talk about her fashion life at school; in fact many of her classmates don’t even know that she is a designer. A few of her close friends have modeled for her, but besides that she keeps her two lives very separate.

Whenever she is creatively stuck, she discovered that the best way to get re-inspired is to take everything o of the mannequin and begin again. Alexandra describes accessories as a lifesaver; she loves including various pieces to complete the fashion statement.

Despite any problems she may run into while designing or any stress she faces while trying to balance school and designing, she says that watching her designs come down the runway makes it all worth it. Her proudest moment to date was designing a Mardi Gras gown for her mother. Alexandra and her mom are very close, and her mom has always been supportive of her goals.

Alexandra’s words of advice for any teen interested in pursuing their dream career is: “Keep trying, keep trying, and keep trying. Even when it gets really hard, even when it doesn’t work. Just keep trying. And keep your eyes on the end goal.”

Alexandra will show for her third season at New OrleansFashion Week (March 22, e Monastery) and her first season at Los Angeles Fashion Week later this year.