A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.

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Kylee Marisa Alexander

Assistant Professor, Adjunct

Contact

Bio

BFA, 2012, School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Exhibitions: Centre Pompidou, Tom Robinson Gallery Red Fish Factory. Bibliography: Art Connects Us (SAIC), She Makes Chicago, Glassbook Magazine, Huffington Post, East Magazine, Zephyr Magazine, F News Magazine, Chicago LOOKS, New City, Chicago Reader, Chicago Business Crains, Racked Chicago, Today's Chicago Woman, NBC Chicago, Style Admirer, Hatlife Magazine.

Personal Statement

Kylee Alexander is an American fashion designer specializing in fur design, conceptual womenswear and traditional craftsmanship. Kylee received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in fashion design and textiles, and began her career by working as a studio assistant for the visual artist Nick Cave. Kylee Alexander is a Lecturer in Fashion Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago teaching undergraduate studies, as well as instructing fashion design and construction courses for the Early College Program and Adult Continuing Education programs at SAIC. In 2017, Kylee founded her eponymous label, which focuses on developing conceptual womenswear fashion and fur collections with a focus on sustainability, commitment to craftsmanship, and using fur to create original textile designs. In addition, she is also a cofounder of She Makes Chicago and is dedicated to improving the landscape for creative entrepreneurship within her city.

 

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized and all techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and the proper copying and cutting of patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew together garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

1052

Credits

1

Description

In this course, students learn the necessary techniques to assemble garments that cover the lower half of the female form. Instruction will focus on developing skills to create flies, hems, and waistbands. While learning industry standard techniques and tips, students sew a pair of pants and lined skirt. Students will leave with the ability to transfer their skills to commercial patterns or their own designs.

Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course that would provide you with introductory experience is Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals

Class Number

2300

Credits

1

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1397

Credits

3

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1398

Credits

3

Description

The Integral Fashion Design Studio is an immersive 6-credit, co-taught class that builds up the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. Taken in the spring, it integrates construction and applied design research. Students will create one look consisting of a top and skirt that express a concept through garment. Students will also hone their ability to articulate concepts and speak to their work. Students discover how to express conceptual design through garment-making methodologies by combining their design research, shape development, and creative explorations. The garments are fitted on models, and executed in both muslin and fabric. Pre-req: FASH2001, FASH2002

Class Number

1383

Credits

6