ALEXANDRARENS
ALL ABOUT ALEXANDRARENS
Hi! I'm a student in Fashion Technologies at HoGent. My passion for sewing started when I was very young, inspired by the vintage Singer sewing machine that once belonged to my great-grandmother. I would spend hours spinning the wheel and pressing the pedal, mesmerized by the movement, even though the machine itself no longer worked due to a broken drive belt.
Later on, my mother taught me to sew using a basic machine we picked up at Aldi for a few euros. I used it extensively until the stitching became uneven and when I graduated from my secondary Art education with a specialization in Fashion, she gifted me a new sewing machine. I still use it today for light to medium fabrics like cotton and linen. Recently, I even managed to repair the old Singer machine myself and now I use it to sew heavier materials like leather and canvas. giving that piece of family history a second life was incredibly fulfilling.
In addition to fashion, I've always had a strong fascination with technology. That interest grew even more when I bought my first car, which sparked a whole new hobby: car restoration. Curious to explore this further, I contacted Thomas More University to learn more about their Automotive Technology program and to eventually enroll. To my surprise, they invited me to contribute to a student project restoring an oldtimer Ford Taunus 1956, where I had to restore the old car seats. I immediately said yes.
Now, alongside my internship at Alsico High Tech, where I focus on sustainable and circulair solutions for cleanroom clothing, I'm also collaborating with Thomas More and Febelauto, who gave the restoration assignment. this crossover between fashion, craftsmanship and automotive restoration has made me even more enthusiastic about combining my passions in creative, hands-on ways. Whether it's sewing a garment or reupholstering a vintage car seat, i'm driven by curiosity, detail and the joy of bringing materials back to life.
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MY CV
Professional Experience
Septembre 2021 - June 2022
Art education @SKI
I followed a course at Secundair Kunstinstituut or SKI at Ghent. I never had art at my high school, so I lacked an artistic background. There i experienced a lot of troubles and realised that I'm not meant for the artworld and turned my ship around to the mor technical side of Fashion.
Septembre 2022 - June 2025
HoGent
After a year in SKI, I discovered Fahion Technologies at HoGent and instantly knew I belonged there. Although I could do many things already, I still learned a lot there and I'm still learning.
August 2020 - Now
NHA
During the lockdowns, I enrolled at NHA for independent training in pattern drawing. I have not completed this course, but I will continue to use my knowledge, that I have gained here, on a daily basis.
February 2025 - May 2025
Internship Alsico
To complete my education at HoGent, I’m currently doing an internship at Alsico High Tech and writing my thesis based on this experience. It has significantly deepened my technical knowledge.
February 2025 - Now
Thomas More & Febelauto
Shortly after the New Year, I reached out to Thomas More for more information about their Automotive Technology program. In response, they invited me to contribute to a project focused on the restoration of a 1956 Ford Taunus. Through this project, I gained hands-on experience in upholstering car seats, restoring and cleaning reusable interior fabrics, and hand-embroidering the flags representing the students involved. The project was carried out in collaboration with Febelauto.