upcycled fashion
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upcycled fashion 〰️
AW EXCLUSIVES
AW Exclusives is more than just a brand—it's a creative rebellion against fast fashion and a celebration of individuality. Founded by Aliyah Wallace, a Black lesbian artist with a passion for upcycling, AW Exclusives transforms thrifted and secondhand pieces into wearable art.
What started as a personal journey—thrifting and repurposing clothes to fit in—has evolved into a movement of standing out. Since launching in June 2020, AW Exclusives has been dedicated to making fashion that’s bold, queer, and community-driven.
AW Exclusives is for those who refuse to blend in. It’s for the trendsetters, the statement-makers, and the ones who know that fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about who you are.
What does AW Exclusives Mean?
AW Exclusives (pronounced A-W like the letters Exclusives) is a name that reflects both my identity and the heart of my brand. "AW"comes from my initials, Aliyah Wallace, while "Exclusives" represents the uniqueness of each piece I create. Every design is one-of-a-kind—no two are ever made exactly the same.
Every item is hand-selected, reworked, or printed with intention, turning secondhand materials into bold, wearable statements. AW Exclusives is about standing out, embracing creativity, and rejecting mass production in favor of something personal and authentic.
How are pieces sourced?
Every AW Exclusives piece starts with a secondhand story. I source clothing and fabric exclusively from friends, donations, clothing swaps, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace, ensuring that every item has a past before it becomes something new.
From there, I deconstruct, rework, and transform these materials—sometimes through lino prints, patches, machine and hand sewing, or screen printing and more—giving each piece a fresh identity. Even the buttons, zippers, paint, dyes, and other supplies are chosen with sustainability in mind—90% of my additional materials come from secondhand craft stores across Colorado, Facebook Marketplace, or art supply swaps.
About the Creator Beyond AW Exclusives.
Hey, I’m Aliyah Wallace—the artist, upcycler, and creative force behind AW Exclusives. Beyond AW Exclusives, I’m deeply involved in community and creativity. I run an art club, Artists In Sync, where local artists teach new skills at affordable prices, making art more accessible to everyone. When I’m not creating, you can probably find me on the field playing in a queer soccer league, checking out new coffee shops, or hosting dinner parties filled with games, crafts, and good people. I love dressing up for even the most mundane moments and soaking in the beauty of Colorado’s outdoors. Queer and sapphic-focused events hold a special place in my heart, and I’m always looking for new ways to bring people together through art, fashion, and community.