Alex Britto is a 2021, 2022, and 2023 FSF Scholar and a 2023 graduate of VCUarts. Today, he serves as the Assistant Designer of Men's Leathergoods at Coach, where he works on the brand's leathergoods assortment, including its New York family of silhouettes. From portfolio-building as a Scholar to designing at scale inside one of the industry's most storied houses, Alex's path reflects the value of showing up prepared—whether that's for a design review or a coffee chat with someone he admires.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Alex Britto: Minimalist and neutral (with one pop).
FSF: What's the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
AB: How to assemble a cohesive idea and how to network.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
AB: A callback.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career—and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
AB: FSF gave me great portfolio work, an endorsement from a NY-based organization, mentorship, and introductions. Over time, FSF taught me how to network, and in doing so, the lessons of how to land an entry-level job.
Today, I still try to make it to as many events as I can. It's a great community for hearing how others are approaching their careers, sharing with current Scholars, and learning from those a couple of years ahead to see what they did when they were in your shoes.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
AB: Joining Coach and learning how the design process works at scale has shaped a lot of my thinking. Outside of that, spending a semester in Italy and making work outside of standard prompts pushed me creatively. Many of my experiences through FSF have been transformative as well.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you're proud of?
AB: Last year, Coach updated its Men's Leathergoods assortment with the New York family—Mott, Compass, and Dakota, to name a few silhouettes. I worked on the product as a design apprentice and assistant, and it's been rewarding to see how well it's been received.
Outside of work, I've also been building a pair of floating speaker shelves at a nearby wood shop. It's been great to work with my hands again after some time away from craft.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion?
AB: Mentorship is everything. You need a series of different mentors to show you how things actually work and what you should be doing to stand out. Hearing how people got their start helps build a blueprint for how you will get yours.
There are almost too many mentors to count in my journey—faculty from VCU and FSF, my FSF mentors, and mentors at Coach. I've always asked people for 20-60-minute coffee chats to learn about their journeys, and those conversations have added up to real lessons over time.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumnus that continue to resonate with you today?
AB: Reaching out to people you admire for coffee chats, Zooms, or calls—and showing up with a list of thoughtfully prepared questions and open ears—is the best practice I've learned. I still do this today.
FSF: Any upcoming projects you'd like to share?
AB: I'm working on small pieces in the woodshop and hoping to make new personal work when I have the time. I also had a gallery show about a year ago that I still haven't edited the behind-the-scenes film for, so that could surface at any time.
📲 Follow Alex's journey: LinkedIn | @abritto____ | Website
