Alexandra Chang

Photographed By Charles Bush

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in San Francisco, but Los Angeles is my true home. I've been living here since I was six years old, and I love the city.

WHERE ARE YOU PRESENTLY LOCATED?
Los Angeles, California.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY?
I am lucky enough to be surrounded by copious amounts of creativity in all forms, whether it be film, writing, art, designing, or food, the options are endless. L.A. is also incredibly diverse, another aspect I love.

WHAT WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD ASPIRATIONS?
I wanted to change my name to Dice and live in Hawaii.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN FASHION AND WHEN WAS YOUR LABEL FOUNDED?
I’ve always been interested in fashion and the design process, and my grandmother remains a huge inspiration to me. She was always so comfortable with herself and dressed to make herself happy. She also carried herself in a way that always made other people feel joyful as well. Like my grandmother, I hope to always be true to myself and never dress for others. I founded The Zeitgeist in 2016, and the name of my brand is largely due to her. My grandmother truly embodied “the spirit of the time” and always encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue my passions.

WHY TEES AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CAPTIONS?
I wanted to create something that people would love to wear on a daily basis that could easily be dressed up or down. Tees are a staple in my wardrobe, and I wanted to add a sense of humor to my line. Fashion can never be taken too seriously.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND WHAT AESTHETICS APPEALS TO YOU?
Happy, fun, and bright. It’s hard for me to wear all black.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR BUSINESS WITH ALL THE COMMITMENTS THAT COME WITH BEING A TEEN?
I don’t have a perfect balance, but I know how to prioritize. I’m always the first one up in the house and the last one to bed. I love Chiara Ferragni’s moto, “The Blonde Salad Never Stops.” I aspire to do the same.

HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
I’m a Junior Ambassador for CHLA (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) and a regular volunteer at the Peninsula Humane Society. I have done collaborations to benefit PHS, as well as Children’s Action Network. I also donate a portion of proceeds from “The Emma Tee” to Girl Up, an organization whose mission I strongly align with. I go to an all-girls school, and having three younger sisters, one of the causes I am most passionate about is empowering women and girls all over the world and ensuring they have access to education.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
Writing! It's my favorite thing to do both in and outside of school, as well as in my free time. I particularly love writing short comedic stories and scenes.

HOW DO YOU FOCUS AND STAY IN THE PRESENT?
I stay focused and in the present when spending time with my family. I have three younger sisters, and they mean everything to me. Although we all have large age differences, we are all extremely close and love to hanging out together. My biggest accomplishment so far is being a loving, supportive big sister.