Conversations with Alejandra Caicedo (ALEK)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Caicedo (ALEK).

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“I write the myths in me, the myths I am, the myths I want to become … With images I tame my fear, I cross the abysses I have inside” Gloria Anzaldua

Growing up in a family of women weavers has inspired me to preserve their legacy and my fascination with clothing, the desire to embody different characters with wild outfits, transforming the body physically and politically has led me to explore multiple identities through my work in Fine Arts. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the idea to create my own mask designs to deal with a difficult economic situation within my family. Soon after, a store in Japan started to purchase my masks, helping me connect with an international audience.

Six years ago, I created Lakras (my brand clothing store) as a way to connect internationally and explore my passion for textiles creating fictional worlds that were nourished by my own experiences. What started as a dream in my teenage years has now become a worldwide phenomenon that helps me discover myself. This has been a crazy path of hard work and much gratefully.

Lakras is not just a brand but a manifestation of something worth treasuring and sharing with others. My artistic projects aim to explore how possible worlds are created and how the body can be expanded through myth. I view myth as an experimentation of the experience of being alive rather than a search for rational truth.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family and friends on this incredible journey. It has been a wonderful experience filled with reception and backing, which makes me truly blessed. Having a strong network of people who believe in me and support me every step of the way has been crucial to my success.

However, like any journey, I have also faced challenges along the way. The financial aspect has been one of them. The cost of education in Colombia is high, and the economic capacity of many individuals, including mine, is not very high. Although I managed to study arts thanks to a public loan, the high-interest rates have been an obstacle that I still need to overcome.

Furthermore, being a Latina migrant in the United States has presented additional difficulties. I am unable to work legally or access benefits in the country, which limits my ability to expand my business, such as having a website with a payment gateway for customers in the United States. I have also encountered obstacles in the process of changing my immigration status due to the exorbitant associated costs.

Despite these challenges, I continue to persevere with gratitude in my heart. Each obstacle has strengthened my determination and allowed me to grow. I acknowledge that I have been fortunate to have a solid support system and valuable collaborations. My clothing brand, Lakras, has flourished thanks to the hard work, discipline, and self-management that I have invested in it. Both the fruits of my own labor and the collaborations with my loved ones have been fundamental to the progress I have achieved.

I am confident that all this effort and work will soon be worth it when I am able to live solely from my project. Each passing day brings me closer to achieving my dream

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual artist specializing in various disciplines including fashion design, conceptual art, visual communication, audiovisual-graphic-plastic production, and sustainability/social concept development. I am also a model, a knitter, a public relations and retail logistics specialist.

I am most proud of my role as the director of Lakras, a renowned Colombian brand. Through Lakras, I have been able to showcase my creativity and passion for sustainability within the fashion industry.

Also, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a stylist for Savage x Fenty, a prominent brand known for its innovative and inclusive approach to fashion.

Additionally, last year, I had the privilege of modeling at the MUAC (Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo) in Mexico, showcasing my versatility as both an artist and a model. And earlier this year, I had the honor of presenting my brand, Lakras, at Scotland Fashion Week 23. It was a remarkable experience to have my designs showcased on an international stage.

These experiences have further shaped my artistic journey and have given me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse and talented individuals in the industry. They have also allowed me to gain recognition for my work and expand my artistic horizons.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness, to me, is a journey of intuitive sensations that go beyond rationality. It’s about delving into the deepest parts of my emotions and experiences, particularly when I’m working with others. I find great joy in incorporating the abject and embracing the monstrous aspects within myself. It may sound strange to some, but this search is a collective and eclectic exploration, much like the essence of Lakras, which I see as a powerful allegory for friendship.

One of the things that truly makes me happy is the pursuit of the absurd. I love venturing into the realms of fiction, where I create characters, mythological portals, and even my own friends who come to life within my imagination. Each piece I create resonates with a unique tonality that reflects the depth of my relationships and experiences. This pursuit of the absurd extends beyond art; it intertwines with the fabric of my everyday life, infusing it with wonder and joy.

Happiness, to me, is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond a single definition or formula. It encompasses diverse experiences and emotions, and its beauty lies in its ability to transcend boundaries. Embracing this multifaceted nature of joy allows for a deeper appreciation of the connections and experiences that contribute to overall well-being. It reminds me to be open to the unexpected, find joy in the little moments, and cherish the diverse tapestry of life.

Additionally, I find happiness by recognizing the needs of the body. This includes embracing discomfort on my own terms to challenge perceptions and break free from automation. The body thrives through hybridizations and disciplines, exercising them like fury. It requires the freedom to express emotions, whether through crying, laughing, or dwelling in moments of failure. Simply adorning the body and engaging in aesthetic experiences and imagination brings pleasure. It’s important to question external desires manufactured by the world while experimenting with caution.

The journey of happiness is one that encourages growth, not only through the pursuit of perfection and privilege but also as an experiment in the experience of being alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lakras.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alekaicedo/?hl=es
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandracaicedoalek/

Image Credits
Photographers @lera.sirman @wired_kim