While death and denim typically don’t intersect in the fashion world, the “Death by Denim” fashion experience, hosted by designer and creative director Janace Griffin of Junk Approved, explored the theme of rebirth through both denim
and mortality.
Griffin shared how the loss of her father marked a distinct shift in her life and prompted her to focus on what is born from difficult situations rather than solely on what dies.
The show took place at Martin Funeral Home on Oct. 26, opening with a eulogy to denim given by Griffin and followed by a model crying at the casket set at the front of the room.
Griffin wanted attendees to go through a range of emotions, from sadness to terror, but ultimately to leave refreshed.
“When they come out of that funeral home, I want them to appreciate the fact that they’re not being left there,” said Griffin. “Some people that is their last place, besides the grave. But you get to walk away from here with a show and a story to tell and more life to live.”
Denim was chosen as the focal point of the show as Griffin noted, it is a universal fabric that everyone owns and wears regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
Representing the idea of rebirth, the denim designs in the show were upcycled pieces as designers gave old pieces a new life.
The designers featured were Ronderrance, Re by Je, Lunat, Blessed One, EPPC fashion instructor Vanessa Monte’s “7 Rs” projects and Feel the Sting. The show’s finale was Griffin’s brand Junk Approved.
Models walked the runway in extravagant head to toe denim outfits that showcased the fabrics versatility. The outfits included denim skirts, tailored shirts, chic jackets, trendy shorts and jeans. The final touch to many outfits included denim hats and statement bags that brought the looks together.
Cesar Sotelo whose handmade coffin shaped bags were featured in the show shared that their favorite element of the show was seeing everyone’s creativity come together.
“Just getting to see everyone’s creative side, getting to be backstage, seeing all the different models, wearing different kinds of garments—it was amazing,” said Sotelo.
Griffin shared she was most excited to give a platform to local designers in a way that has not been done before.
“I think what excites me the most about it is bringing a show in El Paso that I don’t think anybody else has done before or had a similar concept and kind of the feedback that I’ll get from it,” said Griffin.
One attendee, Ariana Jara shared how she reacted to the show being held at a funeral as shocking yet intriguing.
“It’s not a very common thing to hear other events going on at a funeral home, especially a fashion show. So, I was kind of thinking about how they were gonna run things and integrate the idea of the funeral home into the whole show,” said Jara.
Aspiring designer, Sergio Estreda was left inspired by the show’s innovative use of denim fashion to convey rebirth.
“I wear a lot of denim, and I upcycle stuff too,” said Estreda. “I’m a designer so I understand their message and I feel like they’re pushing the envelope forward. So that’s the positive. It’s really inspired me.”
As the show came to a close, all the models walked back down the runway and gathered around the coffin at the front of the room. A “funeral closing” ended the show by talking about how much like upcycled denim, we can transform the struggles of life into something new and beautiful.
Ximena Cordero is staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected]
