Alejandro Del Cid and Alvin Lai: Creative Entrepreneurs

By: Zoditu Schwind

Photos supplied by: Apparel by AL

Two George Fox University (GFU) sophomores recently launched their own business, Apparel by AL (@apparelbyal), to promote “expressive, artistic fashion.”

Alvin Lai is majoring in business management and Alejandro Del Cid is a biology major and pre-med student. Recalling their first interaction, Del Cid commented, “I met Alvin when everyone was awkwardly standing around during Welcome Weekend.” They became study partners as first-year students and eventually decided to become roommates.

While roommates, Lai noticed that Del Cid was into art and had even designed a couple of shirts. Del Cid viewed his shirts as personal artistic interests; however, Lai believed they were designs worth sharing with others. He suggested they start a business after he saw the potential in Del Cid’s art. It wasn’t until their sophomore year, though, that they decided to collaborate by creating a fashion label.

As the artist, Del Cid paints the designs. He created pieces for the first line by starting with watercolor prototypes and then digitizing those designs. “Blue Creation” was meant to be a reminder of the beauty of memories, but also a testament to the future’s blank invitation. For that reason, it is printed on the back of the shirts, leaving the front empty. “Abstract Expressions” was named for its depiction of three different faces. The shifting expressions on the faces reflect the complexity of human emotion. The last design of the line, “La Hibisca,” was inspired by flowers in La Esperanza, Honduras. This piece was created to call people to participate in nature’s stillness.

Lai manages the logistics of the business. Early on, he visited print shops in the area until he found a company that could produce high-quality, full color, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. He was impressed with Big Frog in Beaverton, and they have since become the T-shirt printers for Apparel by AL. Finding peers willing to model, take professional photos, and advertise through social media and word of mouth, Lai has learned that proper delegation is a key part of successful management.

Del Cid and Lai have been touched by the receptivity and support their first line, Artistic Lifestyle, has received since its release on Oct. 11. With the initial success of their first line, they are already planning a second one themed around “recreation.” Del Cid and Lai hope that clothing from Apparel by AL inspires people to tap into their own sense of expression and creative abilities.