nightlife<\/a> has changed post-2020.<\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.gaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Photo_03_0007-copy.jpg\")
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<\/em><\/p>Hi Chema! Your work explores partying in such a unique way \u2013 what drew you to want to showcase queer nightlife through your designs and imagery?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Music and fashion always go hand in hand. I started designing and customising pieces and styling my friends in them to go out to London raves, which helped me kickstart my career as a fashion stylist in London. The dance floor is one of the few remaining spaces for full self-expression, where you can transform into whoever you want to be that night. I have always been very interested in the sociological aspects of costume and identity, person vs persona, and the rave is the perfect stage for your fantasies to come true.<\/span><\/p>\nI went to Camden with a USB, \u00a310 and a dream.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Your J’adore Hardcore t-shirt has become so hugely popular among the queer community here in London. What was the process behind its creation?<\/b><\/h3>\n
It came naturally, as Selena Gomez would say. I am a working-class immigrant in London and years ago I was invited to DJ at a Balenciaga party in Paris. I literally had nothing to wear, so I went to Camden with a USB, \u00a310 and a dream. I printed that tee to wear during my set and everyone was like \u201cooh la la la, j\u2019adore le t-shirt\u201d, so I printed 10 more [for sale]. They sold in one day and, well, the rest is history. I am very proud and thankful for the response the t-shirt had. I think it encapsulates the core ethos of my brand: music, fashion and tongue-in-cheek erotica.<\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.gaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Photo_02_0160-copy-scaled.jpg\")
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<\/em><\/p>Back in 2019, you released your BANDIDO collection. At the time, you described it as aiming to “re-appropriate traditional imagery historically linked to far right movements”. Would you still say your work is political?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Coming from an academic background of race and gender studies, I always focus on the sociological and cultural impact of my actions as a designer and company owner. But I think it is also important to relieve pressure from queer artists to always be protesting or fighting for a cause. I don\u2019t think everything should always be politicised, or that we should carry the responsibility of saving each other, or the world. I am advocating for a future in which we can just exist, create, and have fun \u2013 and make money \u2013 whilst doing it. Our existence, self-expression and appearance are already political enough \u2013 let us just have some fun and look hot for a minute. That\u2019s what I intend [with my work], to release weight from my customers shoulders and help them have a great time and love themselves when they look in the mirror.<\/span><\/p>\nQueer parties are still the only interesting parties to attend.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nYour work is mostly closely associated with the club. Have you noticed any changes in how the queer community exists in nightlife spaces since 2020?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
This is something that I have been thinking about deeply over the last few years. Being truly honest, I miss pre-pandemic nightlife. I have the feeling everything has become very sanitised, and very segmented lately. As important as it is to have specific spaces for queer people, I can\u2019t avoid spotting a dissonance between the marketing of queer parties, and the actual dynamics that happen in them \u2013 specially when it comes to the venue\u2019s management and security, and sometimes its attendees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow can you call your party a safe space when the security is blatantly queerphobic? How can we feel safe when we\u2019re surrounded by hyperbolic hyper-masculine men off their faces on G? How can we feel invited to a party when the entry fee alone is \u00a325 minimum, plus cloakroom, plus drinks, plus the ride back home?\u00a0<\/span>Queer parties are still the only interesting parties to attend and they will always be the only interesting parties to attend. But especially in London, unfortunately, I have the feeling everything has become very corporate and profit-driven.<\/span><\/p>\nIf there was one thing that you’d want to tell someone who’s new to your work – what is it about the brand that makes Chema Diaz unforgettable?<\/b><\/h3>\n
The power of dreams. I hope that everyone that follows my work and wears my creations feels empowered to dream. You don\u2019t have to go to fashion school to be a fashion designer, you don\u2019t need to have a mezzo soprano range to be a singer. To be an artist, you just need a pen and some paper. Feel free to create, and feel free to make your dreams come true. Don\u2019t limit yourself by your past, your wallet, or your environment. If I could do it, then you can too. Be free and have fun.<\/span><\/p>\n
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