Fashion Week Chicago 2024 Designer Spotlight: Alex McDermott of I Am Studios
Alex McDermott’s journey into fashion design took a surprising turn. Originally drawn to the world of oil painting, McDermott intended to refine her skills at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). But halfway through her degree, an introductory fashion course ignited a new passion. “Fashion has always been my biggest tool for self-expression and character-building,” McDermott says. “I always had the desire to create garments but lacked the technical training. That one course changed the trajectory of my life and art practice.”
Today, as the designer behind I Am Studios, McDermott crafts collections that blend artistic expression with high-fashion design. Her work stands out for its conceptual narratives and deep, thought-provoking themes. By drawing on her background in fine art, McDermott brings a fresh perspective to the world of fashion, offering pieces that challenge traditional boundaries.
“Thread from the Heavens”: The Collection at Chicago Fashion Week 2024
For this year’s Chicago Fashion Week, McDermott’s collection, titled “Thread from the Heavens,” delves into the theme of electricity as the binding force of all things—both natural and man-made. “Electricity transcends space, life, biology, and technology. It’s responsible for creation and communication,” McDermott explains. The collection’s pieces reflect this theme, with flowing lines and structures that evoke interconnectedness and energy.
McDermott’s design process is rooted in narrative. “My work always starts with writing,” she says. “I need to understand the world the collection exists in before I can create it. The designs are then built from these concepts, which are abstracted into silhouettes and seam lines.” She goes through multiple phases of editing, ensuring each piece conveys just enough information to allow for personal interpretation. For McDermott, fashion isn’t about providing all the answers; it’s about inviting the audience into a world of discovery.
Balancing Innovation and Imposter Syndrome
Like many designers, McDermott has faced her share of challenges—chief among them, imposter syndrome. “It’s incredibly difficult to maintain a sense of vulnerability and security at the same time,” she admits. “But I remind myself that no one shares the same perspective [as] I do. As long as you stay true to your point of view, no one can imitate your voice.”
This determination to create work that’s uniquely her own is reflected in McDermott’s approach to fashion trends. Rather than chasing popular styles, McDermott focuses on innovation and reinvention. “I’m not interested in trends—they feel too constrictive to me. I’d rather deconstruct and reinvent what came before us. That’s what fashion is about.”
Collaboration and the Growth of I Am Studios
For McDermott, collaboration is a critical part of her creative process. “Recognizing what areas you lack in and when you need outside intervention is valuable,” she says. While she admits to being a bit of a control freak, especially when it comes to editorials and styling, McDermott has learned to trust others and embrace the new possibilities that come with collaboration.
Throughout her career, McDermott has drawn inspiration from major fashion icons, particularly Alexander McQueen, whom she sees as both an artist and designer. “McQueen used fashion to politicize and critique humanity’s darker truths. He created entire worlds for his designs, and that’s something I deeply resonate with.”
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability is a core value at I Am Studios. McDermott is committed to creating made-to-order garments produced in Chicago, minimizing waste by purchasing smaller quantities of fabric. “Quality is essential to sustainability,” she emphasizes. “My goal is to design pieces that will grow with you and last a lifetime. In a world of fast fashion, I want my garments to be timeless.”
McDermott’s approach reflects a deep commitment to ethical fashion, not only in terms of materials but also in ensuring that each garment can stand the test of time—both in style and durability.
Looking Ahead: Staying Focused and Original
As McDermott continues to carve out her place in the fashion world, her advice to aspiring designers is to focus on their own work and not be distracted by what others are doing. “It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially when there’s so much talent around you. But doing so only distracts you from the depth you can bring to your own work.”
With Chicago Fashion Week on the horizon, McDermott is excited to see how the audience engages with her new collection. “I want people to react in whatever way feels genuine to them. Fashion is about interpretation, and once a collection is out in the world, I release all control over how others perceive it.”
For McDermott, fashion is not just about creating beautiful garments; it’s about building a world that challenges, provokes, and ultimately connects with those who encounter it.
McDermott will present her collection during “A Celebration of Chicago Style,” the opening runway show of Chicago Fashion Week, on October 9, 2024 at 6p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. For more information visit The Curio.
