Fashioning a Name for Himself: an Interview with Justin LeBlanc

Project Runway All Star Justin LeBlanc has made a name for himself in not only the fashion world, but in the deaf and gay communities, as well. On the morning of the first-ever ArtDenver fashion show, Justin sat down with Out Front reporter Lauren Archuletta to talk about taking the fashion world by storm and being a role model.

Out Front: Welcome to Denver! The cold is just a front, it’s not always like this here. Where are you based out of right now?

I’m working as an assistant professor at NC State University in North Carolina, where it’s like 40 degrees warmer right now. But at least I get to see some snow here in Denver, I might not get to see it otherwise.

Out Front: ArtDenver is a new event here in Denver. How did you get involved in it?

Mondo Guerra reached out to me and told me about ArtDenver, and I told him of course I was interested. This is actually the first time I’ve met Mondo, we’ve only ever talked through our work with Project Runway and never had much face time to really get to know each other. I also thought ArtDenver would be a great opportunity since I’ve always wanted to come to Denver.

Out Front: What are your thoughts on what you’ve seen of ArtDenver so far?

I’m really impressed. I keep asking the event coordinators, “Are you sure this is your first time doing this?” It just looks so amazing and well put together.

Out Front: I’ve spoken to Mondo a bit on what to expect from him at the show tonight. What kind of designs are you bringing?

I think my theme tonight is all very upscale, almost resort wear. I’m showing my spring and summer 2015 collection, so I’m giving the audience something to look forward to in the springtime. It’s very upscale and bohemian, a bit casual but elegant at the same time. You’ll see some more 3- D printing again, so I’m excited.

Out Front: What else are you looking forward to tonight?

My friend Luke Adams from the Amazing Race is actually coming to the show. We’ve been friends since elementary school and it’s exciting that we’re both going through this stage of being deaf and gay together.

Out Front: That’s exciting! Luke Adams was our grand marshal for Pride Fest this past summer so that will be awesome. It sounds like you’re pretty active in both the LGBT community and the deaf community, then. Can you talk a little bit about that?

I’m happy that I’m able to be a representative for both communities. We are a minority within a minority, and I think it’s really interesting. I wanted to be able to show people that no matter what kind of label that you have, you shouldn’t let that stop you. Continue to do what you want to do. I just want to be a good role model.

Out Front: I hear you’ve got a special tribute to the LGBT community in your trunk show. Can you tell our readers what that is?

Well in my trunk show I’ll be selling 3D bow ties, handmade tote bags and most exciting are the t-shirts from my fall/winter collection. The theme is “Love Without Boundaries.” The shirt is made of images of gay couples that got married and the images have been made into a beautiful manipulation. Where I live, everyone is conservative, so the minute they see the collection it’s beautiful and they’ll appreciate it. They won’t realize until they get close that these are actual beautiful gay couples and I’m just so excited to show this. ArtDenver is the first time I’m selling this T-shirt, and it’s not going out until next week.

ArtDenver kicks off with a fashion show tonight, Nov. 14, and continues through Nov. 16. Justin will be one of the featured designers along with Michael Costello, Mondo Guerra and Geoffrey Mac. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.art-denver.org.