Sketching Style: Meet Fashion Designer Alexa Whitehurst
Before fashion became a creative calling, Alexa Whitehurst was already a stylist, styling her own little world. She’d dress up her Barbies and would dream through the possibilities of clothing, color, and design. But sometimes, the most extraordinary beginnings happen when you least expect them. Years later, during a casual brunch, Alexa Whitehurst pulled out her iPad and began sketching the bartender. She turned an ordinary moment into an unexpected showcase of artistic talent. When the bartender saw the finished drawing, amazement quickly turned into word-of-mouth excitement.
“The person sitting next to me wanted one, too,” said Whitehurst. “It became like 10 people who wanted to be next.”
She transformed a laid-back brunch into an impromptu portrait studio. What started with a spontaneous doodle became a moment of clarity for her, and she realized she was becoming something bigger.
For Alexa Whitehurst, drawing and design have been a long part of her life, even before strangers at brunch began lining up for portraits. She has memories of her mother dressing her and her sister in matching outfits, an early introduction to the visual language of style that would stay with her for years to come.
With a natural instinct for creativity and an eye for detail, Alexa Whitehurst pursued her passion and graduated from fashion and design studies in Philadelphia. This is where she studied art and design before stepping into the fashion industry.
She even spent several years under the runway lights, and she did some modeling during high school. Behind the runway’s glamour, quick changes, and a whirlwind of flowing fabrics, she discovered an equally captivating world of designers bringing their visions to life, sparking her own desire to create.
Her talent eventually led her to Michael Kors, where she built her career in handbag design and rose to become the personal assistant to the creative director of accessories and footwear.
Her role was a creative treasure hunt, sourcing vintage footwear and accessories, crafting mood boards, and curating visual displays for upcoming collections. She presented these directly to Michael Kors.
“We would even have meetings with Michael [Kors],” said Whitehurst. “It was to find inspiration for designs, and then once I graduated, I went to Coach.”
Her career later led her to Coach, where one of her proudest professional achievements was designing the sculptural 'C' hardware closure that would become a recognizable design element on some of the brand's most iconic contemporary handbags, including the Tabby.
In an industry often defined by exclusivity, rigid rules, and picture-perfect expectations, Whitehurst is rewriting the fashion playbook, proving that true creativity has no dress code.
“Saks Fifth Avenue was an invaluable stepping stone,” said Whitehurst. “Immersing me in the world of luxury fashion and deepening my appreciation for craftsmanship, fabric, and timeless design. I also created custom eveningwear for private clients, allowing me to continue exploring my own creativity.”
Breaking into fashion can be a tough door to get through, and it’s like trying to get through a door that only opens for those who already have a foot inside. Alexa Whitehurst understands that challenge, particularly for young designers entering an industry where even entry-level positions can demand years of experience.
“One of the things I love most about being a fashion designer is that there truly is no limit to how far you can go,” said Whitehurst. “I believe your possibilities are shaped by three things: your vision, your drive, and your perspective on life.”
She believes every obstacle can become a stepping stone and can lead to an unexpected creative direction. It is a philosophy shaped by her own journey through fashion, where adaptability and imagination are just as valuable as technical skill.
When you have the ability to envision something greater, the ambition to pursue it, and the perspective to recognize opportunities along the way, the possibilities are limitless,” said Whitehurst.
The possibilities led to more than a decade of global experience in apparel operations, product development, high-volume production, and creative innovation; she’s built a career translating bold design concepts into trend-driven, commercially successful collections. An award-winning fashion design graduate, she has also developed expertise in leading cross-functional teams, strengthening vendor partnerships, streamlining workflows, and transforming brand vision into scalable, profitable products, demonstrating that creativity and business strategy can share the same runway.
“Even when I was in New York, I was coming down here [to Las Olas],” said Whitehurst. “I always wanted to have my own company, and thought to move on down to Florida, and figure out my path.”
Her fashion journey brought her to Miami, where she put her creative instincts to work as a Oh La La Cheri, a lingerie brand based in South Florida, where she created lingerie collections that were purchased and sold by major fashion retailers, including Fashion Nova.
Before making her way to Pompano Beach to explore the world of activewear. But in coming to Las Olas, Alexa Whitehurst has found a way to bring her fashion-world experience full circle, blending her eye for design with the spontaneity of live art.
“Whether I'm designing a garment or creating a fashion illustration, I'm always drawn to the idea of timelessness,” said Whitehurst. “I want my work to feel just as beautiful and meaningful years from now as it does today. When I illustrate someone, I'm not simply capturing what they're wearing at that moment; I'm creating a fashionable interpretation of a memory that they can cherish as a timeless, high-quality keepsake.”
She transforms the traditional event experience into an interactive fashion moment, using her iPad and Apple Pencil to create custom digital illustrations. She works to capture guests’ outfits, hairstyles, and accessories in real time.
“I’ve done events, like at The Diplomat Hotel,” said Whitehurst. “Worthwyld, and it’s been a great side hustle, and I like seeing people get excited when they see it; that’s the best part.”
From weddings and celebrations to corporate gatherings, her sketches offer guests more than a party souvenir. They become personalized keepsakes, capturing the style, vibe, and spirit of the moment. It’s a fresh expression of her creative vision, bringing the artistry of fashion illustration off the designer’s desk and directly into the hands of the people who inspire it.
Behind the illustrations, the credentials for fashion, and growing business is a name with a personal meaning. Inspired by her stepfather, who taught her that true success lies not in material wealth but in the impact we leave on others, she is building Whitehurst, a fashion and lifestyle brand defined by craftsmanship, sophistication, and timeless elegance.
“I had a stepfather who, unfortunately, upon my graduation, he had cancer and passed,” said Whitehurst. “But after he passed, I honored him by taking his last name, which is where Whitehurst comes from. I wanted to honor him, and have been working towards that my entire career.”
Though fashion design and personalized illustrations may follow different creative paths, both share one philosophy: creating something beautiful, meaningful, and cherished for years to come.
“I hope Whitehurst becomes a legacy that lives far beyond my lifetime,” she said. “Carrying forward the values that inspired its creation. Because to me, the greatest legacy isn't the name we leave behind, but the values that name comes to represent."
As Alexa Whitehurst looks ahead, she plans to bring her style and sketches to even more events across South Florida. Her live fashion illustrations first came from her dressing Barbies and an unexpected single sketch at brunch. If that first bartender’s portrait taught her anything, it’s that sometimes all it takes to launch something extraordinary is the courage to pick up a pencil and let creativity lead the way.
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