By Gina, designer of Pixiegift Fashions

I was sewing, analyzing fabrics, and constructing garments as a cosplayer way before I ever conceived the idea to go to college and pursue a degree that allows me to utilize these skills I’ve gained from cosplaying. When I finally earned my Bachelors of Arts in Fashion, I was trying to fit in with an industry that acknowledged that I could sew, draw, and identify textiles but didn’t make me feel like it was accepting of my interests in comic books, anime, and pop culture. I could not possibly imagine that these two passions of mine could be combined to create ‘geek fashion’, and popular brands such as Her Universe were just beginning to emerge in the fashion market. To me, I couldn’t even imagine that there were a group of consumers who also wished for cute dresses or blouses with a geeky print or theme. All around me were just T-shirts—and don't get me wrong! I love to pair a great T-shirt with a skirt or pant, but I often found myself yearning for cuter geeky options for my wardrobe.

While pursuing fashion, I felt that I had to separate myself into two versions when trying to make a name for myself as an artist: the fashion designer and the geek. It wasn’t until two years after I did my first fashion show with my brand, Pixiegift Fashions, that I noticed that geek fashion shows popped up at conventions other than the almighty San Diego Comic-Con. After navigating through a sea of self-doubt of ‘can I really do this?’ I decided to give into the little voice inside me that was screaming ‘I have to do this!’ and applied for Douggary Grant of G33k-hq.com’s traveling Geek Fashion Show.

Being able to showcase for the Geek Fashion Show was nothing short of rewarding. It empowered me both as a fashion designer and a geek and made me feel like I had a place in the fashion industry. I was able to make connections with like minded people who are incredibly driven, talented, and inspiring. The kawaii collections I would send down the Geek Fashion Show runway were always met with positive feedback, which only encourages me to continue to put myself out there as an artist. The geek industry is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and geek fashion designers are innovators that are out there to help us all let our geek flags fly high.

You can follow Pixiegift Fashions on Facebook and Instagram. Read the other Geek Fashion Tales here.

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Gina of Pixiegift Fashions shares her Geek Fashion Tale