Motherhood can shift the way we create, inhabit our bodies, and relate to time itself. For New York–based fashion designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas, motherhood has become part of the same layered, emotional, and tactile language that defines her poetics.
A fourth-generation hand-knitter raised among heritage, craftsmanship, and strong female figures, Alejandra Alonso Rojas has built her namesake brand around an idea of “casual luxury” rooted in memory, color, and sustainability. Her collections emerge from watercolors, family photographs, flower petals pressed into silk, and recycled cashmere knitted by hand.
Fabrics are naturally dyed through a meticulous process using elements such as flowers, berries, turmeric, water, and vinegar, creating textures and patterns that feel almost painterly. «My favorite part is rinsing the fabric and discovering the painting that the flower petals have created» she says.
Her approach to sustainability feels deeply personal rather than performative. Artisanal techniques preserved through experimentation and care, fabrics dyed patiently by hand, natural elements transformed into texture and print.
«The more design houses support these practices, the more resources we will have to create a bigger positive impact» she reflects.
Now a mother of two, Alonso Rojas speaks about creativity and motherhood with honesty, allowing transformation to naturally shape her collections. She moves through creativity and motherhood with the same subtle elegance that defines her collections. In this conversation for WA:IT, she reflects on feminine lineage, sustainable beauty, and the quiet challenge of staying connected to yourself, and your body, while nurturing both a family and a creative practice.
Interview by Olivia Fincato, a New York–based journalist contributing to Vogue Italia, Living Corriere, AD Italia, and La Repubblica, with a focus on design, culture, and meaningful storytelling.
You learned hand knitting from your mother at four years old. Today, as a mother of two, how does that early gesture resonate differently?
«Learning to hand knit from my mother at such a young age instilled a sense of creativity and craftsmanship in me. Now, as a mother of two, I see that same spark of curiosity in my children.»
You’ve just welcomed your second child. How has this new chapter expanded your journey, both as a mother and as a designer?
«I have only welcomed my second child six weeks ago, but it has already enriched my perspective on motherhood. It has taught me to embrace slowing down and spontaneity. Motherhood fuels my inspiration. This chapter has deepened my understanding of balance.»
Motherhood often brings a profound reconnection with the body. How have you experienced that relationship, physically and emotionally, after your pregnancies?
«After my pregnancies, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for my body’s strength and resilience. I thank my body every day for all it has done and continues doing while I breastfeed my baby. The journey of motherhood has empowered me to embrace my imperfections. I’ve learned to listen to my body, honoring its needs and celebrating its capabilities. I’ve learned to slow down and take care of myself so I can take care of others.»
In moments of intensity, how do you return to yourself? Are there rituals, gestures, or even products that help you reconnect with your body and your breath?
«During intense moments, I find solace in simple rituals like meditation and breathwork. I meditate and practice yoga or Pilates every day, if possible, which helps me center myself. I strongly believe in the healing power of food, and I’ve been eating very nourishing and anti-inflammatory meals lately, it changes everything. I also love self-care beauty routines as a daily ritual. These practices remind me to slow down and appreciate the present, helping me navigate the busyness of life».
Being both a mother and a professional can feel like a constant negotiation. What advice would you give to women trying to hold space for both without losing themselves?
«My advice is to embrace the flow of life. It’s essential to prioritize self-care and carve out time for your passions, even if it’s only a few minutes each day. Surround yourself with a supportive community that understands your journey. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to set boundaries. Balancing motherhood and a career is a continuous journey, be gentle with yourself along the way».
Your work carries a strong sense of lineage. How do you navigate the space between inheritance and reinvention?
«I honor my heritage by incorporating traditional techniques and stories into my designs, while also allowing myself the freedom to innovate. This balance between inheritance and reinvention is crucial. It respects the past while embracing the future. I draw inspiration from my family’s history, while infusing contemporary elements that reflect my personal journey and the world around me».
You often begin your collections by looking at family photographs. What role does memory play in shaping your creative process?
«Memory is a powerful catalyst in my creative process. Family photographs evoke emotions and stories that inspire my designs. They remind me of the values and aesthetics that shaped my upbringing. Each collection becomes a narrative woven from these memories, allowing me to explore themes of nostalgia and identity while creating something new».
Do you have a scent that instantly brings you back, perhaps to your childhood, or to a specific moment of intimacy or transition?
«Yes, the scent of jasmine always takes me back to my childhood. It evokes memories of summer and the calming atmosphere of home. The scents I love represent comfort and safety for me, and I often incorporate them into my workspace to inspire creativity and tranquility».
Color is a defining element of your work. How do you approach building a palette, and what guides your choices each season?
«My approach to color is intuitive and reflective of my emotional landscape. I draw inspiration from nature, art, and the emotions I want to convey through each collection. Each season, I consider current events, personal experiences, and the feelings I want to evoke in my audience. This connection to color allows me to create palettes that resonate deeply with both myself and my clients».
Your practice integrates natural dyeing and experimental techniques. What draws you to these processes, and what do they allow you to express that other methods cannot?
«Natural dyeing and experimental techniques allow me to connect with the environment and embrace imperfection. These processes reflect my values around sustainability and authenticity. They allow me to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story. The unpredictability of natural dyes adds another layer of depth to my work, encouraging exploration and creativity».
Sustainability is embedded in your work in a quiet, consistent way. What does responsible design mean to you today, beyond industry narratives?
«Responsible design, for me, is about fostering a connection with the materials and processes I use. It means creating pieces that are not only beautiful, but also mindful of their impact on the planet. I strive to make thoughtful choices, from sourcing materials to production practices, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of my brand rather than treated as a trend».
If you had to translate this moment of your life into a scent, what would it be made of?
«This moment of my life would be a blend of soft florals, grounding woods, and hints of citrus. The florals symbolize the beauty and tenderness of motherhood, while the woods represent strength and stability. A touch of citrus adds brightness and energy, reflecting the joy my children bring into my life. This scent would capture both the nurturing and dynamic aspects of this chapter».
@aleandraalonsorojas
Images courtesy of Alejandra Alonso Rojas
