On September 2nd, Atlanta Black Pride will host a fashion show showcasing local black queer designers and local LGBTQ Greek organizations.Show Chaired by New Board Members and Friends voice of georgia Tiana Clay promises to be a diverse and spectacular event.

“This fashion show will knock your socks off,” said Amber Moore, COO of Atlanta Black Pride. voice of georgia“You’re going to see transgender people, gay men, lesbians, studs. You’re going to see that reflected in artists and designers, crowds, entertainment and models.”

One of the designers featured in the show is Alexandria, more commonly known as Thrifty Jesus. She is a self-taught designer who has been in the industry for the past three years. She attended last year’s fashion show and said she was happy to accept her second offer to participate because the atmosphere was so encouraging and supportive.

The eras that inspired The Thrift Jesus’ work were the 70’s, 90’s and early 2000’s, when black excellence and beauty were the fashion blueprint of the time. Brands that have inspired her work include her streetwear brands such as Fear of God, Chrome Hearts and Pyer Moss, as well as sexy yet eccentric clothing in modern silhouettes with a touch of ’70s flair. Her Hanifa, a fun and colorful brand to stock up on. These inspirations come as no surprise when looking at her body of work. Her early designs could best be described as stately, but this collection is a complete 180-degree turn of hers, with a “streetwear meets recycled her shop” vibe. I have.

As a bisexual woman, her queerness influences her designs as well. She creates with her inclusivity in mind.

“I am aware of different body types and know how people want to be represented through their appearance,” she said. voice of georgia.”Style [serves as] Freedom of expression, especially in the queer community. We just want to make our community proud by creating designs that make them feel unique and powerful. ”

Alexandria’s love of vintage and second-hand clothing helped ignite her brand. As the name The Thrift Jesus suggests, sustainability is a key aspect of our brand. She is a fan of secondhand shopping and secondhand clothes because of the creativity of her designs and the quality of the clothes themselves, and tries to incorporate those vintage emotions into her brand as much as possible.

You can buy her clothes at pop-ups around town, but her work has been featured in The Pink Zebra at Little 5 Points, Merge Co. at Phipps Plaza, Mutiny Artwrx at the MET Atlanta, and Citizen Supply in Ponce City. . Market, and her website thethriftjesus.com (currently under construction, expected to be completed by winter). She’s currently scouting a midtown commercial to open her own boutique, so watch out!Follow her on Instagram @thethriftjesus and her Facebook for all her drop, pop-up looks! , get the latest information about potential future boutiques.

Her advice to other Black queer people interested in fashion design is, “Find your voice and project it through your designs. Don’t let people who don’t understand destroy your confidence, you’re not for everyone, and that’s okay.

The Atlanta Black Pride fashion show takes place at 120 Ralph McGill Blvd from 7-9pm. For more information, visit atlantablackpride.org.