We recently connected with G Amore and have shared our conversation below.

G , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I had the chance to take part in a NYFW after-party runway hosted by House of Yes. Out of 70+ designers, I was one of the of the four to be chosen to show their work. This was a big accomplishment for me because in New York, there is a lot of young talent especially in the fashion world. This show gave me the chance to showcase my work during fashion week, to a queer audience. This is something that is extremely important to me, since I am a queer & trans designer making work primarily for the queer community. I sent five looks down the runway from a collection that I have been working on for about 3 years. The pieces from this collection hold a lot of meaning to me, so much effort and care has been put into them. I continuously go back to this collection to expand upon it and it grows with me as I grow. Having them on the runway at House of Yes showcased them in the way they are intended to be enjoyed; in a nightlife and performance space, with lgbtq+ models embodying the garments.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a queer & trans designer and founder of UTOPIA. UTOPIA is a fashion concept using whimsical and colorful motifs to create personal pieces that contribute to waste and fast fashion as little as possible and collaborate with people in the lgbtq+ community. It intrinsically belongs to all genders and aims to move fashion towards a place unconfined by societal constrictions and encourages people to participate in fashion as a true means of expression accessible to everyone.

I first got into fashion at a very young age, I was always interested in art and clothes as a fun means of expression. It wasn’t until college that I got more serious about pursuing it as a career. I specialized in intimate apparel to learn specialized techniques and corsetry. This is when I created the beginnings of UTOPIA. When I graduated, the only jobs that were available to me were in corporate fast fashion. This was extremely upsetting to me, as I have major moral issues with the fast fashion industry. UTOPIA is my way to defy these corporate and wasteful practices and focus on something that actually holds meaning. I am able to create with intention for myself, as well as create for drag/burlesque performers, and provide custom pieces for clients. I am also able to creatively direct photoshoots and lend pieces to outside shoots, as well as participate in runways. This allows me to connect and create with an array of other artists and communities, which is really fulfilling and rewarding to me. I hope that one day I will be able to leave corporate work and be able to fully focus on UTOPIA and be able to financially support myself doing what matters to me most.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think that artists & creatives should not be the only people supporting artists & creatives. Typically, what I see, is artists uplifting and connecting within their circles, which is super important and necessary. Often times we are disadvantaged and struggling to make ends meet and receiving no outside help. People from outside these communities with different connections and knowledge should donate more to artists, spend more time investing in artists & creatives. I think it’s important that people who have the funds and who have the means take time to put it back into the arts. Artists provide such a vital aspect to society and have for centuries, and it is imperative that everyone in society is able to see that value and invest in it, not just other creatives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to be able to share myself and my identity through my creations, and connect with other people, especially other queer and trans people. I intend to continue to give people a sense of joy when they see or wear my garments, and remind people that fashion is supposed to be playful. It is supposed to evoke emotion and it is inherently genderless. I hope to gain a wider audience of people who understand my work and want to support and collaborate.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/u.topiabby/

Image Credits

first 3 photos: Kenny Rodriguez
two original artworks by UTOPIA
last two photos: Kevin Emilio Mora Guzman