Champion Your City | Philadelphia
Published:March 18, 2019
Read on to find out how Philly resident and streetwear designer, Alex Foley, champions her city.
How did you get started off in the creative / sneaker industry?
After moving to Philadelphia to go to college, I got a part-time job at a sneaker boutique called Ubiq and worked there until I graduated in 2014. I learned so much about sneaker culture and streetwear and fell in love with the lifestyle. I studied Graphic Design and Photography in college, so the planets aligned up with design and streetwear for me. Since then, I have just been trying to be progressive and learn as much as I can about design and fashion.
What does the champion brand mean to you?
Champion gives me a nostalgic feeling. For instance, the feeling when you hear a song from the 90’s or early 2000’s that makes you reminisce. I also wore Champion apparel growing up as a kid. It was always comfy and casual. The cost was affordable for my mom so that was a plus and it always looked trendy. I still wear Champion today and it's really cool to see the brand evolve with the times, while staying true to the comfy-casual style they represent.
Who would be your dream creative/artist to collaborate with? (living or dead)
Basquiat, definitely! He was someone who stayed true to his vision from Day 1. Even when people didn’t think it was good or worthy of gallery space, he changed the way people thought by just being himself. The way he saw things was transcending. Whenever I feel like people don’t understand me or my vision, I just watch The Radiant Child or look through all my Basquiat books. That always reminds me to continue to stay on my own path and continue with my vision. The right people will appreciate what you have to offer the world.
Any advice to someone who is trying to break into the creative industry?
Be proactive and absorb as much knowledge as possible. No one will hand you opportunities. You have to sometimes create your own opportunities. You have to put yourself out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Don’t be too careless, but don’t be too careful either. It's always a balance. And stay observant and listen to everyone you meet because you never know who you are talking to or what they have been through/accomplished. You can never learn too much about anything, especially in the creative industry.
Top 3 places to grab a cheesesteak?
1 Dalessandro’s
2. Ishkabibble’s
3. Pat’s King of Steaks
