Style grants me permission to transform and communicate who I am outwardly. It’s the language I speak in place of where words cannot reach.
We would like to thank you for supporting Lilyana Blu in this years competition. Your participation allows us to empower the Elton John AIDS Foundation in their mission to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere.
What makes your style stand out?
My style stands out because it is a reflection of my character. I mix textures, accessories, and garments until I look like a mythical creature that landed on earth and is pretending to be human. Clothing to me is like armor. I feel safe and steadfast in who I am when I wear it. I’ve noticed the authenticity behind what I wear is what connects me to people and makes me feel ready to do so. A lot of what I wear is thrifted or created by me, so in itself it’s the coming together of people.
What’s your dream fashion moment?
My dream is to create otherworldly fashion lines. Coming from the Emerald City, I’ve seen a wide range of styles, from street fashion to couture, but I feel like there’s more to this city that could be shown if given the opportunity. I want people to feel like wearing my clothes is an act of self love, upon bearing witness to themselves transform into a work of art. I hope to create a world people can step into when they feel like embodying their truest selves through clothing.
What would you do with $20,000?
I would keep following my dream by paying for fashion school to become more knowledgeable and skillful at this craft. I’d kickstart my clothing business, and continue building toward a future where I am able to host shows for other small designers like myself who also dream of creating for a living. Without the fashion community in Seattle, I never would’ve begun to design in the first place. It was an opportunity given to me that inspired and pushed me toward a passion I was unaware I ever had.