Columbia alumni Alexander Knox ‘15 and Bryant Von Woodson II ‘18 are leading creative innovation at Coach, blending fashion, culture, and storytelling.

At Coach’s global headquarters in New York City, two Columbia College Chicago Fashion alumni—Alexander Knox and Bryant Von Woodson II—are shaping how fashion meets culture. Founded in New York in 1941, Coach is an American fashion brand recognized for its leather craftsmanship and modern luxury design. Though Knox and Von Woodson work in different areas of the company, their paths reflect a shared foundation built at Columbia: creativity grounded in craft, curiosity, and collaboration. 

Alexander Knox: Designing for a Global Stage 

For nearly a decade, Alexander Knox ’15 has been part of Coach’s design evolution. As Design Director for Women’s Wovens, he’s helped reimagine the brand’s identity and connect it with a new generation of consumers. 

When asked about a standout project, Knox says, “It’s tough to choose just one. But being part of the team that helped bring Coach back into the spotlight and connect with younger consumers has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Knox, a graduate of Columbia’s Fashion Design program, credits Columbia for the foundation that allowed him to grow in one of the world’s most competitive fashion environments. “Columbia laid a strong foundation for my fashion career,” he says. “There, I refined my skills in drawing, sewing, and patternmaking, while gaining a deep understanding of textile properties and their applications.” 

He also sees a distinct quality in the creative professionals who come out of Columbia. “Columbia graduates distinguish themselves through a curriculum rooted in experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration,” he says. “Their education emphasizes technical proficiency and real-world application, equipping them with the practical skills needed to thrive in creative industries from day one.” 

His advice for current students is as precise as one of his sketches: “Master time management, embrace feedback as a tool for growth, build meaningful professional relationships, and remain agile in an ever-evolving creative landscape.” 

  
Bryant Von Woodson II: Where Fashion Meets Culture 

In another corner of Coach’s New York headquarters, Bryant Von Woodson II ’18, Global Manager of Celebrity Relations, brings a different kind of creativity to the table—one rooted in storytelling, strategy, and connection. 

Woodson was part of the team behind one of the brand’s most impactful recent initiatives: Coach’s partnership with the WNBA. “This wasn’t just about brand alignment,” he says. “It was about cultural resonance. Our team has been able to bring fashion to the forefront of sports, particularly women’s sports, in a way that feels both authentic and inspiring.” 

His work spans everything from talent curation and styling to partnerships and creative strategy, collaborating closely with internal and external teams to bring campaigns to life. “What makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to elevate voices that deserve to be heard and seen, and to do so through the lens of fashion,” he says. 

Woodson, who studied Fashion and Marketing, traces his confidence and collaborative mindset back to his time at Columbia. “My experience at Columbia laid a powerful foundation for the career I’ve built today,” he says. “It’s an institution that serves as a haven for young creatives, dreamers, and thinkers, and it introduced me to a diverse range of perspectives and lived experiences that continue to inform how I show up in the world.” 

 He describes Columbia as a space that fosters both creative and emotional intelligence. “What Columbia instilled in me most deeply was a sense of humanity, grace, and curiosity,” he says. “The conversations, the activations, the community—all of it taught me how to lead with an open mind and understanding.” 

That awareness, paired with Chicago’s energy, created a distinct drive that continues to propel him forward. “Being based in Chicago—between major industry hubs like New York and Los Angeles—fuels a unique kind of ambition,” he says. “We work twice as hard to reach opportunities. That extra fire is what propels us.”   

Creative Careers Start Here 

Beyond their roles at Coach, both Knox and Woodson remain closely connected to Columbia’s community. They regularly mentor and welcome students visiting New York to learn more about the industry, often hosting or attending alumni meetups to share advice and insights from their careers.  

Both say their Columbia experience continues to shape how they think, create, and lead. What began in Columbia’s classrooms and studios now lives in the global work they do—bridging design, business, and culture. Their stories reflect what it means to turn creative vision into a career, and how a Columbia education continues to open doors in the world’s most dynamic industries. 

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