“It’s Called Being A Professional, Darling.”
Juan Chavez is a designer who transforms fabrics into fantasies. As a child in Palm Springs, he would trace his own clothing, creating patterns that form the basis of his earliest designs. With a mother and grandmother who sewed and an architect father, Juan grew up with an innate ability to construct garments and deconstruct those he saw around him. However, it was not until he enrolled at the Otis College of Art and Design that he would seriously pursue fashion design. It was while in college that he would develop the traditional skills of drafting patterns, draping, and construction. In his senior year, his mentor was none other than the legendary Bob Mackie. Mr. Mackie proved to be a powerful influence in Juan's life, sharing secrets of foundation construction & the chiffon nipple!
Based in Los Angeles, Juan creates garments for some of today's most well-known Drag Queens. Most notable among them is Naomi Smalls, who walked into the RuPaul's Drag Race workroom with an entire wardrobe of Juan's original designs. A loyal client, Naomi would continue to trust his vision and commission to create all of her premiere looks. In many ways, he has played a crucial role in the ever-changing landscape of drag. His collaborations represent an elevation of the traditional drag aesthetic, melding couture construction with the drama and opulence sought after by Queens.
Join us in welcoming Juan to the Grizzly KiKi family as we explore fashion, catch up on current events, and spill some spicy Tea about a certain flower-loving Queen!
