What does fashion look like when a 10-year-old begins questioning how much we really need? Los Angeles-based fashion prodigy Max Alexander recently made history with his Paris Fashion Week debut, but his focus goes beyond the runway.
Inspired by the scale of fashion waste in Ghana — a place he now plans to visit — the young designer is turning his attention to sustainability, often creating designs from garments donated by supporters.In conversation with us, he talks about building a more mindful approach to clothing, his fascination with Indian saris as a fabric, and how he hopes more designers start thinking sustainably.
Max Alexander with a model, showcasing his first ready-to-wear dress crafted from traditional Chirimen silk
A Gen Alpha voice against fast fashionPart of a generation growing up amid climate conversations, Max is clear about where fashion needs to head.
“Hopefully we will be able to get rid of fast fashion and teach people to love and appreciate our planet… My inspiration comes from my environment and life. I hope more designers will start to think about sustainable options,” he says.Instead of chasing trends, he’s urging people to rethink their wardrobes. His philosophy is simple — buy fewer clothes, choose better quality, and make them last. “I want people to buy higher-quality clothes and wear them longer — maybe even pass them on.
We don’t need too many clothes; we just need them to be made better and to last,” he adds, advocating passing garments down rather than discarding them.
A high-low couture dress made from an upcycled Indian saree stood out on the Paris runway, drawing attention for its cultural blend (L) and This look features a corset crafted from an upcycled French luxury duster bag and a skirt made using a vintage military parachute (R)
‘My next collection is something different, but I will use saris again’Max frequently sources garments and fabrics through donations, using them to shape his sustainable, upcycled designs. One standout element of his Paris showcase was his use of Indian saris, not as costume but as a conscious design choice. Speaking about it, he says, “Several kind fans have donated saris, and I had been wanting to use one for a while.
I liked the idea of some red in the show, so it worked out perfectly.”According to Max, the choice wasn’t just aesthetic — it was intentional. For him, saris point to a global pattern of waste. “Here we throw out a lot of jeans, but I don’t like denim at all. There (in India), you throw out saris, and they are so beautiful,” he notes, pointing out that waste looks different across cultures, but the solution may be the same – reuse what already exists.“I think it would be fun to do a whole line with saris… I love the colours and the fabric. My next collection is something different, but I will use saris again, I’m sure.” For him, saris aren’t just fabric; they’re an opportunity to rethink how fashion can be both sustainable and meaningful.
I want people to buy higher-quality clothes and wear them longer — maybe even pass them on. We don’t need too many clothes; we just need them to be made better and to last
Max Alexander
What’s next after the Paris spotlightAfter Paris Fashion Week, Max’s journey is gaining momentum, but in his own easy rhythm. “More people want dresses!” he says, acknowledging the growing interest in his work, even as he balances school and everyday life.“I have school too, so not a lot has changed for me. I just do what I love.” Alongside running track, he is already looking ahead. “We are preparing to go to Ghana, and I have started collecting materials for a new line,” he says, hinting at a new collection that will continue to evolve his sustainable approach.
My inspiration comes from my environment and life. I hope more designers will start to think about sustainable options
Max Alexander
