The Highs and Lows of Fashion: A Conversation with Joyce Gomez of chanelsface
We sat down with the local designer and Dimensions Pop-Up vendor to discuss her collection and the future of fashion.
Story by Cruz Rendon // @cruzship
Photo courtesy of @bone_babes on Instagram
Joyce Gomez a.k.a. chanelsface a.k.a. Mistress of Taboo is not new to fashion. “As a kid I would watch Project Runway instead of Disney Channel,” said the self-taught designer. “My grandma was my biggest supporter. She taught me to pose and asked me to model as a baby.” Joyce laughed at the thought of her 3-year-old self.
But it isn’t just about playing dress up.
“I was kicked out at (the age of) 14 for dating a trans guy,” said Joyce. “Being an outcast taught me a lot about myself and who I am. It inspired and motivated me to do more.” She reminisced growing up pansexual in a religious, Mexican-Native American household. Her experience as an outcast fed into her creative work.
“I want people to feel loved,” she said when asked about her motivation to design clothes. “That went into fashion for me. It’s such an easy way to express yourself and create a whole other persona.” The designer, heavily influenced by the art of drag, said that her designs are more than just an outfit. They’re an entire look that people can create a character out of.
Photo courtesy of @katinthecloudz on Instagram
Earlier this month, Joyce was a featured designer in jxnart’s “High Fashion Halloween Show” hosted by Dragula contestant, Louisianna Purchase. “This is my calling,” said Joyce. “The process was stressful. I didn’t sleep, I didn’t eat but it was never exhausting. It was so much fun.”
Her collection, “Übermensch” (German for “superhuman”), was created as a statement. The runway models were all women, some trans, some petite, some tall and of all skin tones. They strutted down the catwalk to rock song “Mistress of Taboo” by “Plasmatics” while wearing animal print, bold hair choices and plenty of chains. Inspired by the #MeToo movement and being a survivor herself, Joyce wanted her post-world dominance collection to empower women.
Photo courtesy of @katinthecloudz on Instagram
“My biggest inspiration is the history of drag and makeup,” said the Austin designer. “Especially 50s couture and 80s punk. I like to combine the things that I love.”
When asked about the future of fashion, Joyce said, “We’re moving toward actual self-freedom. We’re leaning away from conventional beauty and leaning into real life.” She remembers feeling like she had to look like Paris Hilton in order to be a model.
Photo courtesy of @katinthecloudz on Instagram
“Everyone deserves to know that they are loved and supported,” she reminds us. “Learn how to cut out negativity, even if it’s from someone you’re supposed to love. Find a healthy community and surround yourself with people who want to see you grow and succeed. Be passionate, work hard and trust yourself.”
Make sure to check out Joyce at our Dimensions Pop-Up on Saturday, Nov. 23 and her online store coming later this year!