Denim is a material known and used worldwide for its use in pants and jackets. The material was popularized in the 19th century when it was introduced to the United States and made its way from work outfits to casual apparel.
However, the textile took on a different meaning this past Oct. 10, when designers from El Paso showcased their collection made almost entirely of denim.
“Death by Denim: Rebirth edition” was hosted by Junk Approved’s designer, Janace Walker at Concordia Cemetery. The show featured five El Paso fashion brands including BBOC Couture, Feel The Sting Clothing, Mares Couture, 7D2 Couture and Diosa Couture. All the teams used their creativity to represent a different era and use denim in their own ways.
A fashion show held at a cemetery may seem surprising, but in El Paso’s cultural context where Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated, the audience embraced the show. The show’s master of ceremonies, Heather Shade, addressed the theme with some opening words.
“It’s not the confusion or clarity what matters most but the authenticity,” Shade said.
Designer Maria Fernanda Rojas tapped into her most authentic self and participated in the show for a second time, approaching the challenge of working with denim from a different angle.
“There was a big difference, especially with the stages of life being represented, with the first one I had no idea what to do. This time it was a bit more structured, since I had an idea,” Rojas said. “The material itself is pretty hard to work with. I broke like six needles making this collection, but it was definitely worth it.”
Even though all designers used denim, they all showcased distinct collections and made use of different elements. Rojas was the artist who represented the life phase of childhood.
“I tried to dig into my own childhood, and what I wanted to look like as a child. And so, I really dug into the scene queen era of the 2000s. So, like the big hair, the fishnets, the tutus and everything,” Rojas said.
From red hearts, to crosses, glitter, neon colors, cut outs and feathers, each designer found ways to use materials differently and design all types of clothes and accessories such as denim hats, gowns and umbrellas.
Just like denim can be used in many ways, fashion shows are hosted uniquely as well. The atmosphere of the venue was a mix of spooky, chaotic and artistic. The cemetery setting contrasted with the techno music and the upbeat spirit of those in attendance.
The audience could choose to focus on the fashion, a tattoo artist working in the middle of the runway, fire dancers who performed throughout the show, the decor that included old horror movie clips or funeral coaches complete with caskets.
A member of the audience, Damon Finney, attended the show to show support for one of the participating models but was left pleasantly surprised.
“I really love the show. It’s really creative,” Finney said. “I’m like really surprised how amazing everything is, all the fire and the cars, the atmosphere, I like it so much.”
The show ended with all models joining the runway and screaming at the top of their lungs. The show was made to represent how human self-expression even when cut from the same cloth, can give birth to something completely new.
Vivien G. Noe C., is a Staff Reporter, at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
