Meet Lex Brown | Owner & Head Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lex Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lex, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have forever loved fashion as an art form – practical, expressive and fun it is. I am formally educated, and industry experienced in fashion design.
And it seemed to go hand in hand with being my own boss – fashion designer.
But once I realized the negative impact that garment waste has on the planet, my perception of clothing really pivoted.
It became almost a personal challenge to produce my work through an environmentally conscious lens.
Neoteny apparel has my personal design aesthetic guided by what sustainable materials, and processes available to me.
Clothing designed and crafted for all and the Earth.

I also just need a creative outlet – and clothing is my favourite art form.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What set’s us apart from others: Really thoughtful design aimed at longevity in the lifestyle of the garment. Being mixed race, the presentation of diversity within our brand image is something really important to me also.

Professionally, I think I am where I am today, by confidently carve out my own path in the industry(mostly, trying to figure out the most sustainable methods and practices available to me. Exploring and experimenting definitely play a role.

Definitely not easy. Having a fashion label is a labour of love, sweat and tears. And sometimes you’re really inspired, other times you have just had enough. But persistence, is key. Organic progress is really the most sustainable when building a brand.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way: As a perfectionist, i can get attached to the pieces I create. Remind myself to have an external perspective (whether it’s from someone else, or just through thinking through that lens,) to maintain progress.

I want the people to know that there are really cool small scale brands out there, that are so much better than fast fashion. We need to think collectively as a whole about building a wardrobe, and one that is consciously chosen and lived in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
OMG i love this question.

First off – we’re going shopping downtown Hamilton on James St N. Stopping by all the vintage and secondhand clothing stores such as Snafu, The Reloved Boutique, Siberia Vintage, Daddy’s Plastic Vintage, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow. Then it’s time to visit our sustainably minded shops like Pale Blue Dot and Sari Knot Sari.

We’d definitely have to go hiking next. Hamilton, Ontario is legitimately the waterfall capital of the world. Such a treat. So checking out a waterfall is next. Probably Albion falls because it has great lookout points.

We would have to go for a stroll along Ottawa Street. This is the mini fashion district in Hamilton where you can buy all your fabrics and notions. It has great stores like Sussmans Supply Co, and Empire Makes Space. There is also tonnes of antique shoppes and oddity stores on the street. If you like digging and thrifting – you’ll have a blast here.

For food – we’re going to Green Bar (one of the best vegan eateries in town). Then wer’e going to Lemongrass – the best Thai food in town. And because i’m such a foodie – we’re going to have Chicago Style Pizza (they have THE BEST pizza i’ve ever had).

For people – we would have to meet Sara Camposarcone (@saracamposarcone on instagram). She is a sustainable maximalist and really inspiring right now. Then we would have to meet up with our pal Hayley Elsaesser (@hayleyelsaesser on instagram). She has a studio based in Hamilton and I always go visit her with my daughter Skye 🙂

I feel like i could go on forever 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Family first, my mom and sisters are always there to support me. They are all doing their own cool things too! My mom runs The Reloved Boutique, a consignment shop in Hamilton. My sister runs TISH Jewelry, a jewelry brand with gorgeous pieces, and my other sister runs SLEEK by Hailey, a luxury hair extension product line. I’m literally surrounded by such inspiration and talent. It wouldn’t be right for me to not shout them all out.

For those who want to sew/want to expand their skills: I took a quilting class when I was probably about 10 (surrounded by people a few generations older than me, that all had amazing guidance). It was influential in developing my style. If you’re into sewing, or want to get into it – it’s a great way to learn all about patch working, and there is history there in the quilts also.

Also – just shoutout to small businesses in general. They are literally the heart of every town/city, and individual people’s dreams come to life. It means everything when you support them.

Website: neotenyapparel.com

Instagram: @neotenyapparel

Facebook: facebook.com/neotenyapparel

Image Credits
Runway Images: Violeta Fashion Photography White Backdrop Images: Movie Maker Mitch I can confirm which are which upon request.