Dr. Lalon Alexander

Dr. Lalon Alexander is an associate professor of fashion management for the University of the Incarnate Word, and co-owner of Elephant Embellishments, a school for hand embroidery and beading. She holds a BS in fashion design from Texas Tech University, an MFA in costume design from Carnegie Mellon University, an MS in creativity from Buffalo State College, and a PhD in higher education from the University of the Incarnate Word. Prior to her teaching career, she was a professional hand beader for a Broadway costume shop. She has taught classes in introduction to fashion, creativity, flat pattern manipulation, intermediate and advanced construction techniques, computer illustration, and portfolio at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Alexander’s research interests include creativity and design, fashion curriculum, art versus design perceptions, and technical skills in fashion/costume.

• MS in Creativity Studies, Buffalo State University, 2020
• PhD in Higher Education, The University of the Incarnate Word, 2014
• MFA in Costume Design, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004
• BS in Fashion Design, Texas Tech University, 1999

Non-degree education

• Fashion Institute of Technology, 2004
• London College of Fashion, 2001
• Paris Fashion Institute, 2000
• Lesage Ecole de Broderie d'Art, 1998

• Associate Professor, FMGT, University of the Incarnate Word (2020-present), San Antonio, TX
• Assistant Professor, FMGT, University of the Incarnate Word (2015 - 2020), San Antonio, TX
• Instructor, FMGT, University of the Incarnate Word (2009 - 2014), San Antonio, TX
• Adjunct Instructor, FMGT, University of the Incarnate Word (2009 - 2009), San Antonio, TX
• Adjunct Instructor, ID, Texas State University (2007 - 2009), San Marcos, TX
• Adjunct Instructor, FM, Texas State University (2007 - 2008), San Marcos, TX

• President and Owner, Elephant Embellishments, LLC (2006 - Present), Lockhart, TX
• Beader, Tricorne Costume House (2004 - 2006), New York, NY
• Beader and Embroiderer, Freelance Beader and Embroiderer (2004 - 2006), New York, NY
• Costume Designer, The Rude Mechanicals (2003 - 2003), Austin, TX
• Student Costume Designer, University of Texas at Austin (2002 - 2003), Austin, TX
• Freelance Beader and Embroiderer (2002 - 2003), Austin, TX
• Production Costumes Intern, Royal Opera House (2001 - 2001), London, UK
• Costume Alterations Intern, Angel's & Berman's (2000 - 2000), London, UK
• Costume Shop Over-hire, Colorado Shakespeare Company (2000 - 2000), Boulder, CO
• Costume Intern, Creede Repertory Theatre (1999 - 1999), Creede, CO
• Draper and Sample Maker, Haseltine Designs (1998 - 1998), Paris, France.
• Student Costume Shop Draper/stitcher, Texas Tech University Theatre (1996 - 1999), Lubbock, TX

Adams, M. and Alexander, L. (2018). Technology and studio classes: Teaching flat pattern in a digital world. The International Journal of Design Education, 13 (2), 21-27.

Tsai, K. C., Alexander, M. L., and Alexander, T. (in press, 2013). Impact of an imagination exercise on creativity for fashion design students. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 01 (03), 115-121.

• Association of Sewing and Professional Designers, 2016-Present
• Surface Design Association, 2010 - 2018
• Fashion Group International - San Antonio Chapter, 2009 - 2010
• Austin Stitchery Guild, 2008 - Present
• Embroiderer's Guild of America, 2008 - Present
• Caldwell County Fair Association, 2006 -Present
• Japanese Embroidery Center, 2006 - Present
• Theater Communications International, 2001 -2017
• Golden Key National Honor Society, 1998
• Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, 1997
• Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, 1997
• United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 1996 - 2019
• Costume Society of America, 1994 - Present

Hand beading and embroidery, cooking, travel, and cats!

• Finalist for Balenciaga in Hawaii Paris American Academy Competition, International Textiles and Apparel Conference, 2012.
• 3rd place Best of Mohair, Texas Natural Fibers Design Competition, 1999.
• Best of Show Pacesetter Award, Texas Natural Fibers Design Competition, 1999.
• 1st place Rising Star, Texas Natural Fibers Design Competition, 1997.

Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Change Leadership, Buffalo State University, 2019