Fashion workshop empowers LGBTQ youth with runway.

Brynn Carlson June 28, 2023 Fashion & Beauty

LGBTQ Teens Embrace the Art of Fashion at Slay the Runway Workshop

Charnick, a participant in the Slay The Runway workshop, found an opportunity for self-expression and creativity through their involvement. Slay The Runway, organized by Firehouse Art Center, provided a safe space for LGBTQ teens to explore the world of fashion design and sewing. Over a dozen teenagers joined the program, eager to learn the basics of sewing, color theory, and shape manipulation.

As the workshop came to a close after two weeks, the participants were able to showcase their newly acquired skills by putting on a fashion show. Charnick was particularly inspired by their punk idols and sought to incorporate elements of punk fashion into their own designs.

Slay Runway Fashion Workshop CU Boulder 20230615 — Aurella Charnick sews fabric at Slay the Runway, a fashion design and sewing workshop for LGBTQ teenagers from Boulder and Longmont at CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute.

To add their personal touch, Charnick visited a thrift store and discovered a black pleather skirt, reminiscent of the iconic choice often sported by garage rock bands. They tore up pieces of patterned shirts to sew onto the skirt, enhancing its punk aesthetic. However, feeling that something was still missing, Charnick had a brilliant idea to take it up a notch.

Using sewing scissors, they created small holes on the skirt and inserted screw-in spikes, securing them firmly by screwing spikes on the other side. This DIY addition truly captured the rebellious spirit of punk fashion and added a unique flair to Charnick’s design.

From Dragons to Fairy Princesses: Reflecting Personality Through Fashion

Slay The Runway workshop allowed each participant to unleash their individuality through fashion. Grace Gruber chose to incorporate a stuffed dragon into their design, driven solely by their fondness for dragons.

For Zi Salling, their personality and lifestyle played a significant role in their creative process. Their design showcased a Barbie princess-inspired fairy creation, reflecting the delicate aspects of their personality.

Salling explained, “A lot of the time, I’m in a more gothic, deep grunge look. And then there are other times, like today and with this dress, where I’m more princess fairy. So I feel like it’s just showing that I can express myself in different ways, but I can still be the same person throughout.”

The Significance of Fashion in the LGBTQ Community

Fashion has always been an essential outlet for self-expression and comfort for queer individuals. LeeLee James, one of the program instructors, highlighted the intentional focus on fashion in the workshop. The LGBTQ community has found solace, strength, and identity through fashion, allowing them to freely showcase their true selves.