Meet Girlacne | Fashion Designer and Nightlife Icon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Girlacne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Girlacne, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My creative inspiration derives from iconic queer pop culture, nightlife, and high fashion runway shows. My creativity is a homage and love letter to the queer people who came before me, and paved the way for me to be the most authentic version of myself.

New York City nightlife, particularly in the 1990s has been one of my biggest inspirations. The Club Kids have dramatically shaped my fashion sense, with their big platform shoes, clashing patterns, and over the top looks. Icons like Leigh Bowery have fundamentally inspired me, adopting his signature polka dots in the majority of my looks and makeup.

My mission is to bring the carefree, DIY energy back into nightlife. That’s why I created my own backyard party called Cream. In collaboration with LA drag superstar, Skunky Sweet, Cream is Inspired by the outrageous parties of 90s NYC nightlife. Featuring the most glamorous drag and performance artist in Los Angeles, Cream is a safe space for queer people to turn and look and be the most authentic version of themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My fashion sense is a parody of fashion itself, particularly the looks I create using unconventional materials. Using items from the dollar store, I challenge myself to create outfits that are both innovative and functional. The task of embracing unconventional materials produces outfits that are unique and fashion foward. My goal is to challenge fashion norms and cultural expectations, while promoting radical self-expression.

One of my favorite quotes is from film director John Waters, “You have to know good taste to appreciate the irony of celebrating bad taste.” My fashion sense purposely embraces ideas that are perceived as tacky or gaudy. I use it to mock the perceived rules of fashion, while simultaneously not taking fashion too seriously.

Overcoming self-doubt has been one of my biggest challenges as an artist. I’ve let my fear, and other’s opinions stop me from reaching my full potential. Believing in myself has been the most liberating thing I’ve ever done, and has given me the freedom to share my artistic vision with the world. Occasionally, I’m faced with negative opinions, such as being called a clown, or yelled at in the streets of Los Angeles. I’ve learned to harness that energy back into my art, and embrace myself for who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take them thrift shopping for an outfit to go out. Burbank boasts some of the best thrift stores on Magnolia Boulevard, with the most iconic one being Playclothes. They offer a curated collection of vintage and designer pieces, neatly organized by decades. I can spend hours browsing the racks, and they even have a cute cat named Tiger Lily that roams the store and helps shoppers.

For a night out, we’re headed to Precinct in Downtown Los Angeles, my go-to spot for a lively evening. My favorite event is Sugartank, hosted by the House of Avalon. It consistently features top-notch drag performers and attracts the most stylish individuals in LA. Each party has a unique theme, providing my friends and me with an opportunity to showcase an extravagant look. With its diverse crowd, Precinct offers something for everyone

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shout out my boyfriends, Gregory Frye and Joseph Carrillo. I learned the importance of art, color, and how self-expression plays an important role in everyday life. Gregory was the first person to believe in vision as a fashion designer, encouraging me to express myself unapologetically. He taught me not to be afraid to mix patterns, and be as colorful as possible. I’m so eternally grateful for their guidance, especially as a young queer person. They have continually championed in me, and gave me safe space to discover myself as an artist.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlacne?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Gregory Frye @unicornsofjupiter