| Alexander Julian | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 8, 1948 Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Spouse | Meagan (?—present)[1] |
| Awards | Coty Award |
| Labels | Colours by Alexander Julian, Alexander Julian Private Reserve, Alexander Julian Home Colours |
Alexander Julian (born February 8, 1948[2]) is an American clothing designer. He is most notable for his Colours clothing brand.
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Born to Mary Brady[3] and Maurice S. Julian, Julian was raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a childhood playmate of James Taylor.[4] His father, Maurice S. Julian (1916–1993),[5] was a clothier who opened the clothing store Julian's in 1942.[6] After working in his father's clothing store, he opened his first store in Chapel Hill, Alexander's Ambition, at age 19.[7][8] The store is now located on the north side of Franklin Street and is called Julian's.[9]
In 1973 Julian ran a quixotic campaign for Chapel Hill Board of Aldermen (town council) finishing fifth and out of the money.
Julian moved to New York in 1975 and founded Alexander Julian Company. He won five Coty Awards for design — the first before age 30 — and later won the Cutty Sark award three times.
In sports, Julian designed the uniform for the Charlotte Hornets when they joined the NBA,[10] and re-designed the University of North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball uniforms. He created the trademark argyle pattern down the sides of the uniform, added bolder trim, and used different fabrics for the 1991-92 season upon Dean Smith's request.[11] He also designed the stadium seating for the Charlotte Knights baseball team in 1990.
He started the successful Colours by Alexander Julian line in 1981,[1] and was the first designer to create his own fabrics.His textile design is part of the Smithsonian's permanent collection.[12] Later, he branched out to furniture and home furnishings, and in 2008 moved his furniture licensing to Vaughan-Bassett.[13]
Julian was the costume designer for The Player, in 1992.[2]
Julian is married to the former Meagan Mannell.[2] They have three children, and he has three children by previous marriages.[2]