Fun and Fashionable: Amayas Gonzalez

No matter the weather or occasion, Denver creative Amayas Gonzalez will always make a statement with whatever they are wearing.

Born and raised in the Mile High City, Gonzalez has been putting fashion closets around the world to shame ever since they were a teenager. Their looks reflect the ever-changing social landscape of style. 

“I really got into fashion when I was around 12,” they explain. “My mom bought FRUiTS Magazine, which is, like, the biggest fashion magazine in Japan, and I would just look at them for hours and stare at these styles. I hated it at first. I was like, ‘What are these people doing? They are wearing garbage upon garbage!’ Then, as I kept looking and understanding it more, and watching videos on it, it suddenly clicked in my brain. Like, this is something you want to do. Ever since then, I was sketching and drawing all the fashions out in the world. Once I learned how to use a sewing machine, honey, it was over for everybody.”

Gonzalez also comes from a creative family. Their mother has a punk-rock clothing line for kids, and their older sister is a makeup artist. 

In terms of how they would describe their own personal style and aesthetic, Gonzalez says it falls into three sub fashions: decora, neo-fashion, and neo-avant garde. 

“Every day, I’m wearing something different. One day may be a little bit more alternative, while the next is a little more glamour. I also like the chola style. My mom was a chola; she was one of my biggest influences. I grew up watching her do her lip liner and pompadours, and that’s been a big part of my aesthetic, too.”

A little over a year ago, Gonzalez decided to start an online boutique called Syc by Amayas, which is in the process of turning into a brick and mortar. From Sketchers and 10-inch heels to leather jackets and denim tie dye, Syc always brings something to the table. 

They say their store stands out from others because the items being sold are coming from a person that does not only love fashion but lives fashion.

“No one will ever have the same piece as you. I think so many people will curate and curate, but it’s not something they actually care about. They throw it to the sides and have other people do it. For me, I live, breathe, and am it. Every single piece that I make, everything I do, I put my heart and soul into it, and people can see that. They can physically see it, too. I am a walking billboard for myself, my brand, and everything that I do. When I’m walking down the street, it’s a statement within itself. It can be political, fashion, or whatever, but the world is my runway, and I’m going to make it that.”

By having elements of both masculine and feminine in their looks, Gonzalez hopes others will take notice and realize they can do the same if they so wish, that no one should worry about fitting into a certain box.

“Do whatever you want, and don’t listen to outside influences. Don’t allow someone’s comments to make you overthink what you’re doing. Fashion is supposed to be fun, and if you’re not having fun anymore, then you’re not doing it right. I always say, ‘style forever, fashion never.’ I’m not a part of the fashion trends. Do I love some of them? Yes, but I don’t adhere to any trends. I take the influence, but listen to what you want. 

“Sometimes, you will wear the most crunch outfit out on the city and you will feel the most fabulous you’ve ever felt. A month later, you’ll look at the photo you took and be like, ‘Why did I wear that? That was the ugliest thing that could have ever been worn out in the city.’ That’s the point though! The point is to learn, grow, and have fun with it. If you were loving that moment, that’s all that matters. No one should influence what you’re doing with your fashion and aesthetic.”

In addition to fashion and art, Gonzalez is also an activist, an educator on trans and queer history, works on HIV prevention, and is a drag and burlesque performer within Denver’s nightlife scene, known as La Vladimira X.

“I am literally the queen of 40 occupations,” they joke. 

As for the future, Gonzalez plans to continue turning their aspirations into reality.

“I will be an amazing fashion designer for the children, and the girlies will be looking at me on the billboards. I will continue to manifest that and put it out into the universe, and I plan to use fashion to my advantage and have fun with it. That’s all I want to do: Have fun, and I want to inspire others to have fun with it and give them pieces that they can cherish in their life.”

Stay up-to-date and connect with Gonzalez by following them on Facebook and Instagram @amayasgonzalez. Visit sycboutique.shop for more information on Syc by Amayas and to make a purchase. 

Photos Courtesy of Julius Garrido