Yesterday we introduced you to the American Express ‘Room for Thought’ project, centered around finding the next big thing in the areas of fashion, music and community. ‘Room for Thought’ is a mentoring program, whereby talented members of the Australian creative industries are paired up with a winner in each field. This is aimed at helping people realise their potential, and being guided in the process by either Miranda Otto, Paul Mac, or Peter Alexander. pages spoke with Peter Alexander to hear about his journey through the Australian fashion industry, as well as what he is looking for in a winner for ‘Room for Thought’.

When did you decide design was the road for you?
“I never really thought much about design or fashion in school. When I was 21 it fell onto me rather than me falling on to it. I started working as a sales assistant at Sportsgirl as I needed a job that started at 11am so I could go to nightclubs and start work late! Whilst I was there I thought “I can understand this business,” and it started to intrigue me. I was working at head office at the time and that’s what started me on the path. I was terrible at school and never went to uni. Having said that if I could go back in time I would study a business degree.”

How did you get to where you are today?
“It’s really about understanding what I’m good at and what I’m not good at. Getting people around me that are good at the stuff I’m not good at. When you start at 24 you think you know it all, but it’s just as vital for me to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and always acknowledge when I need help. It’s important to surround yourself with people who have the same design dreams. It’s a real team effort!”

Why did you decide to get involved with the American Express Room For Thought project?
“I’m excited to see what people send in! It’s a great opportunity to be a part of creating someone else’s dreams. It’s very scary starting your own business. This is an amazing opportunity for someone to realise his or her dreams. It will be great to be part of watching someone succeed.”

What are you looking for within the entrants?
“I’m looking to be surprised and delighted. I would love to say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” That would be a great hook. I love a great idea that is so fresh and new that I can say “that is a winner!” I really hope we get some interesting entrants. It can be anything in the realm of fashion – not just fashion design. I want someone to come up with the whole concept rather than just a design idea.”

How will you aim to help the winner bring their fashionable idea to life?
“Three words that pop into my head – Listen, advise and support. I’m not there to do it for them, I’m there to guide them – leading them along the right path. Helping them achieve what they want to achieve, not what I want. It’s more supporting advice. American Express will help them more tangibly, and I will be a true mentor. Like a big brother thing! Also really understanding if they want to enter the fashion business or fashion design.”

Any advice for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?
“Even if you think the idea is dumb follow through with it. When I said I wanted to start a pyjama business everyone laughed in my face. Now I am having the last laugh 24 years later! You can’t be embarrassed about your ideas. There is no such thing as a stupid idea. Just put it out there, and you have nothing to lose!”

To get your fashion forward ideas in and be mentored by pyjama king Peter Alexander, head to www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressAustralia.