Mt. SAC Student Jax Malcolm Tailors Cinematic Vision for the Runway

August 04, 2026 - 01:21 PM

Before he was showcasing collections at New York Fashion Week or earning awards for his designs, Jax Malcolm was walking red carpets as a child actor.

As a 5-year-old, he began working in the entertainment industry, and by the time he was 14, he discovered another creative passion that would shape his future: fashion design.

"I originally started sewing because I wanted to create my own looks for the red carpet," Jax says. "That goal definitely evolved."

Today, the Mt. SAC student is known for creating intricate womenswear, particularly his signature corsetry, blending fashion with storytelling, history, and cinematic imagination. Rather than simply designing clothing, Jax creates wearable works of art inspired by mythology, fantasy, history, and nature.

"My inspiration usually begins with a story rather than a trend," he says. "I enjoy exploring mythology, fantasy, history, and the natural world, then asking how those ideas could become wearable art."

That storytelling approach extends beyond the design process. Jax researches colors, fabrics, textures, and silhouettes before sketching concepts, often experimenting with unexpected materials that spark new ideas.

"I rarely think of a garment by itself," says Jax, who also credits his background in filmmaking and writing in shaping every collection. "I imagine the character wearing it, the environment, the lighting, and the story surrounding it. That approach helps me create designs that feel cinematic instead of simply fashionable."

Although his passion for fashion began long before college, he credits Mt. SAC with helping transform his creativity into professional skills.

"Mt. SAC has given me a strong technical foundation while encouraging creativity," Jax says. "The projects challenged me to solve design problems, work with new materials, and refine my construction skills. Those experiences have translated directly into my work as a fashion designer."

Among the instructors who made the biggest impact are Fashion professors Sanda Ochs and Maria Davis. Jax says Sanda’s corset-making class gave him the technical knowledge behind his signature craftsmanship.

"Corseting is what I'm known for, and I could not make a corset without the technical skill I learned in that class," he says.

He also credits Maria with believing in his work from the beginning.

"She's been a cheerleader for my work and accomplishments since my first class at Mt. SAC," Jax says.

That combination of technical training and creative support has helped Jax build an impressive résumé while still completing his education. In the 2026 Spring Semester at Mt. SAC, he earned his Fashion Design I Certificate, and at the end of the 2026 Summer Intersession, he completed his Fashion Design II Certificate.

Outside the classroom, his accomplishments continue to grow. Jax was named Creator TV Designer of the Year, an honor he describes as one of the most meaningful recognitions of his career. More recently, his original pirate costume earned Second Overall and the Judges Award of Merit at the Costumers Guild Competition during the L.A. County Fair.

His creative talents extend beyond fashion. Jax wrote, directed, and starred in This Is My Story, which received multiple awards at the Film Fest Los Angeles, including Best Comedy Podcast and Best Ensemble. His fashion film Trident also earned Best Fashion Film honors.

His collections have appeared on runways at Los Angeles Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and Honolulu Swim Week, while his work has also been featured in publications reaching international audiences.

Despite those accomplishments, Jax remains focused on what comes next.

"My goal is to continue growing my production company and fashion brand while expanding into other creative storytelling," says Jax, who wants to build a globally-recognized brand that inspires others to embrace creativity and individuality. "I want to create collections that tell a story and present them through runway shows, fashion films, and digital media."

For more about Jax or to view his work, visit https://www.jaxmalcolm.com/byjaxmalcolm. To learn about the Fashion Program at Mt. SAC, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/fashion/.