As a longtime fan of rockabilly and pin-up classiness, Alicia Lopez enjoys incorporating rip-roaring style and sexiness into her clothing choices and fashion work.
The 30-year-old designer and model also is big on incorporating Mexican influences whenever possible and uses her creations to make a statement about her heritage, promote her culture, and illustrate her pride.
"That's why I designed my latest shirt to say 'No soy Latina. No soy Hispaña. Soy Mexicana,' meaning 'I'm not Hispanic, I'm not Latina. I'm Mexican. The term 'Hispanic' means [a] product of Spain," she says. "I just wanted to make my identity clear so my people could stop thinking the word Mexican is a ugly word."
This mix of influences can be seen on the T-shirts, earrings, and hair accessories Lopez has created for her Trucha Gear label and sells online and at various rockabilly and hip-hop events around the Valley.
A few of her creations also utilize Day of the Dead style and iconography, such as skulls and skeletons, which illustrates her love of the annual holiday.
"I think it comes natural to our culture, even though I am not Catholic, like a lot of my people are. I do celebrate the day and remember the deceased," Lopez says.
What are you wearing?
I have on skinny blue fitted jeans, a black Trucha Gear shirt (one of my own designs) that reads "Mexica" in orange letters and has an Aztec design below, Mexican sandals, and a brownish flower in my hair.
What's your favorite outfit to wear?
My Frida Kahlo dress. Not only is it stylish [and] unique, but also comfy. Plus I'm a huge Frida fan. I admire her not only as a artist but as a woman. She was amazing [and] strong. I think we need more role models like her. Very intelligent and artistic woman. Very proud of her roots.
What's the last item of clothing you purchased?
A little black dress I got it from Fiesta Mall at Deb Shops. It's the most I have ever paid for a dress. I go for bargins. It's comfort and style that counts, not the price.
Where do you usually shop?
That is a hard one. I have a hard time finding my type or style anywhere. I have to hunt around. No particular store. Just searching until I find clothing that not only looks great, but fits well. I am a curvy gal, so I love clothes that compliment my body. I also at times [have] shopped on eBay. Great deals.
What do you usually like to accessorize with?
Hair flowers and earrings. I'm an earring freak! I love handmade jewelry over gold or silver any day. I have tons of earrings. I shop at swapmeets. I love beads, cherry earrings, anything unique. I don't make the earrings myself, but I wish I could. Also, I have a box filled with hair flowers [of] all colors.
Where would you love to have a shopping spree?
At the online store Pinup Girl Clothing. I love that website. Definitely my style.
What item of clothing do you most covet at the moment?
I would love a new red dress and red heels from Pinup Girl, but can't afford it now, with bills.
What's your background in pinup modeling?
A few years ago I did a little pinup/alterative modeling. Now, I am more focused on my clothing line. Since I have always had a hard time finding clothing that was more my style, I have dedicated myself to providing women like myself with clothing that would fit their style. My style is still a little Mexican pinup-ish.
Why do you use Day of the Dead designs into your fashion work?
Honestly, it's in high demand, plus I love Day of the Dead art. It's beautiful.
Who are some of your style icons and influences?
As an icon, I really admire the late Selena. Not only as a woman singer, but also as a designer. She put a lot of passion into her work and, at a real young age, made her dream come true of starting her own clothing line. As for style, I really don't have a icon for that. I just like to make things my own. But probably the pinup models have influenced some of it. Ana Vergara is my top favorite designer. I admire her a lot.
What are some of your favorite brands?
I usually just hunt until I find something that catches my eye. But I do love La Pachuca, Chicana Wear, and Swithblade Stiletto.
Give us a childhood memory of you and clothes:
I used to make dresses and clothing for my dolls and draw sketches of clothing I hoped and wished one day I would design. Dresses, skirts, T-shirts, pants . . . everything.
Name five items every woman should have in her closet:
1. Heels
2. Little black dress
3. Comfy jeans
4. Comfy baby T-shirt
5. Stockings. Can't have enough stockings.
Name an item of clothing that's best when it's vintage:
Shoes. Specifically, Mary Janes.
What's your one piece of fashion advice for Phoenix?
Be you, be comfortable, be unique.
