Culture & Couture: Nate Alexander Brings Custom Flair to The Pop-Up!
Fashion designer and culture creator Nate Alexander joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! last week. Fresh off a decade-long stint in Atlanta, Alexander returned to his hometown of Tacoma, Washington in 2025 to continuously shake up the Pacific Northwest fashion landscape with his unique artistic eye and community-first business ethos.
Alexander opened up about the origins of his brand, Mainly Razedebar, the contrast between the Southern and Pacific Northwest fashion scenes, and his unwavering dedication to the art of custom garment creation.
From High School Sketches to the Sewing Machine
Alexander’s journey into design wasn't born overnight. It began simply as a collaborative high school effort named Mainly, sparked by a friend who recognized his natural artistic talent.
"He brought the name to me because he knew... I know how to draw," Alexander said, reflecting on their early days designing logos and crew necks.
However, his move South acted as the ultimate catalyst for his brand's evolution. "When I moved to Atlanta, I took it to a whole ‘nother level,” he said. “I'm putting my foot on the gas more.”
Immersing himself in the craft, he mastered the sewing machine, learned manufacturing logistics, and eventually found his way onto runway shows, sparking continuous creative growth.
Designing Outside the Box
What sets Alexander apart is his dedication to "one-of-one" custom pieces. Guided heavily by touch and texture, he revealed a striking secret behind the premium-looking garments showcased on screen: many are meticulously crafted from household curtains.
Alexander shared his particular obsession with designing legwear. "I'm really good with pants. I love pants, especially denim,” he said. “I can do pants like in my sleep."
Navigating the Cultural Waves: Atlanta vs. the Northwest
Having operated in two distinct regional hubs, Alexander provided insight into how geographical subcultures dictate style. He noted that Atlanta's fashion moves at a rapid, hyper-creative pace due to its proximity to New York and Florida, allowing designers to spearhead independent waves across styling, music, and business ownership.
By contrast, the Washington landscape leans heavily into its historic, moody roots. "We love vintage over here. That's our thing. Vintage. Grunge. Distressed," Alexander said, pinpointing the signature aesthetic of the Pacific Northwest.
Keeping the Community in Fashion
For Alexander, Mainly Razedebar is a vehicle for economic solidarity. When asked how he weaves his personal journey and Black culture into his artwork, his answer was direct and uncompromising.
"I keep the money in the family. I keep the money in the culture. I keep the money in the community," he said. "I go to the Black people first."
Looking toward the future, Alexander’s sights are set on scaling up his manufacturing consultations, expanding his presence in regional fashion circuits like Tacoma's Drift Fashion show, and establishing Mainly Razedebar as a recognizable symbol of local resilience and elevated style.
With an expanding digital footprint, Nate Alexander is making one thing clear to the masses: he does this for real.
Check out Alexander and Mainly Razedebar on Instagram and Facebook to learn more.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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