02:56 PM CST on Monday, February 20, 2006

MARJORIE FORD / WFAA-TV reports

WFAA

Russell says he wants to be the "king" of fashion.

Clothing designer, Courtney Russell, is a man on the move.

At 30-something, he owns a boutique in Dallas' trendy Deep Ellum area, and has his own label: August Alexander.

"Alexander" is Russell's middle name. "August" he explains, means "high authority."

"August is king, monarch."

Russell says he wants to be the "king" of fashion. He's been working at it since he was teenager.

"I always wanted to dress to impress; and dress better than everyone," says the dreadlocked-wearing designer who is decked out in a customed black jacket, blue jeans, aqua shirt and scarf.

"I was more eccentric, real different. You know, if everyone followed one trend, I wanted to create my own."

The Jamaican-born designer says growing up in New York gave him an eye for style.

Russell gave METRO a mini-fashion show with model Jennifer Corzine showing off some of his August Alexander creations.

"What we're looking at is basically the whole Amazon Jungle effect," Russell says, describing a gorgeous suede jacket and silk skirt ensemble. "I definitely installed the feathers along with the suede, and love the ruffled skirt that goes along with it."

Russell likes to "mix the raw with the elegant."

"Like this beautiful dress here." (He's describing a long, red evening dress). "It's actually velvet with the trimming, which is the braided trimming, and also the beadwork. And the satin band, which I installed."

Most of the detail on Russell's garments is done by hand. He also has a flair for color.

"Color is, I think, the key to showing how someone feels. You know, if it's a sad day, wear as much colors as you want. It just brings forth joy."

His August Alexander line is for women and men. Russell's trademark: custom-made clothing with exquisite tailoring.

He spent 3 years fine-tuning his tailoring skills, working as an apprentice.

"I had the talent to put garments together, you know, sewing fabrics and making the fit beautiful," he explains. "But it took a long process for me to get from cutting to sewing."

Russell describes his design business as "a labor of love".

"That means, of course, that every piece that I design, cut and sew, I put my all into it. It's not just something that's processed and slapped on a hanger."

He believes "what you are represents who you are" and Russell wants his August Alexander clothing to represent "power and beauty."

"It's for anyone who loves high fashion and high style and loves to feel like a king or queen for a day."

And what special piece of attire should every stylish man or woman own?

"For a female, I believe it definitely should be a cocktail dress. And black color. For a man, a beautiful suit. Just something custom tailored.''

"It has a lot to do with sex appeal," he says. "You have to be very sexy. And that comes from believing that you are and knowing you are."

One thing that Courtney Russell "knows" is that he's determined to make a mark with his August Alexander brand.

''I want to be able to stay, and people understand, 50 to 75 years from now, that is Alexander vintage."

To contact Courtney Russell: (214) 450-8637.