Paris-based artist Alex Foxton has now had two completely sold out shows and a major fashion collaboration - all while working on his day job as Dior's menswear designer.
Alex Foxton's studio is located at the end of a metro line in an unremarkable district of eastern Paris, among barbershops and takeaways.
The Dior menswear designer and slash artist said of his choice: "The centre of Paris feels a bit like a museum, it's beautiful and well maintained, whereas around here it's completely different."
Foxton's profile as a painter has skyrocketed in the past few years, from an Instagram account to a sold-out exhibition, a major gallery signing, a collaboration with Dior, and a growing list of high-profile buyers.
Not bad for a completely self-taught man who only started painting in his thirties while moonlighting as a menswear designer at Dior.Foxton's fantastic resume also includes stints at Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and John Galliano's Maison Margiela.
As an artist, Foxton spent time in a lumberyard in Montreuil while working out of his studio, creating a highly recognizable style of color penetration for his art.
His style of work is primitive and untidy, or as he describes it, "subversive". His works depict men, usually half-naked or nude. He laughs: "I'm sure I can draw other things, like... Dogs, but I just don't want to draw them."
In early 2020, Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior Homme (now Fendi womenswear), asked Foxton to create a series of pieces to use as part of his Dior Vacation portfolio.
Foxton's two worlds collided. Kim often collaborated with artists he admired (at Dior including Ghanaian-born painter Amoako Boafo, American artist Raymond Pettibon, and the legendary Shawn Stussy, creator of some of the most iconic records).
For Dior, Jones challenged Foxton to do something he had never done before: to paint something other than men.
Kim Jones told Vogue: "I loved Alex's idea of creating a floral collection for Dior, and I wanted to see how he would move from people and portraits to this theme. I like Alex's use of color and drawing skills. His subjects always feel personal."
Foxton's floral designs were used on shirts, denim jackets, trench coats, and saddle bags and accessories.
Foxton's relationship with Jones began in 2001, when Foxton modeled Jones's MFA graduation exhibition at CentralSaint Martins.
They reunited at Louis Vuitton in 2011, and Foxton was one of Jones' first appointments when he took over at Dior Homme in 2018. "Kim has been very supportive and encouraging throughout my work."
As her career as an artist continues to evolve, Foxton's delight at seeing her signature on a canvas is no less than that of other designers seeing their names on clothes.
"I never wanted to have my own label, ever," he reveals. There are two different mindsets in fashion. I never wanted to get into business, I always just wanted to make clothes. Fashion is very collaborative. However, this is something I can do on my own, from start to finish, all by myself."
Now, Foxton splits his time between working half the week at Dior and the other half in his studio.
"I was like a strange recluse when I was here. I don't talk to anyone. I don't listen to music. I only talk to myself -- I let myself go a little crazy." Foxton has two books in the works and another solo exhibition coming up, which sounds like a remarkable balance. "That's true!
