You Down with ODDD? A Denver diva’s seamless transition from fashion to charity
Twenty years ago, in an effort to save money and look good, a fledgling 18-year-old drag queen taught herself how to sew. After years of patience and self-teaching, her passion blossomed into a labor of love and a profitable local business venture that does its part to give back to the community. Local drag diva and former Denver Cycle Slut Usa Prophylactic is the brains and the brawn behind Denver ODDD.
Usa learned early on that drag was not only pricey, but that a lot of items didn’t even fit. Apart from sewing, she learned to make alterations, and create entire garments. “I was an oddly shaped woman and had to start learning how to make clothes for myself,” she tells Out Front. “Then other people started asking me to make clothes for them.”
Her passion for fashion helped start Denver ODDD in 2002 where she makes clothing from scratch, tailored to fit the individual regardless of size, body, and shape. Usa strives to create one-of-a-kind fashions for individuals who want to feel their best.
Helping local charities is another of her outlets. Over the years, Usa has donated pieces to numerous charity events, including the Red Ball and Boots n’ Boxers. “My father was a religious man who ingrained charity in my family,” she says.
Denver ODDD will be hosting “A Night of Fashion, Music and Art” at the Compound on Friday, May 10th. The fashion show, which will feature a new line of intimate men’s apparel, starts at 7:30 pm. Proceeds benefit the UP Foundation.
To learn more about Usa’s organization, visit denveroddd.com or stop by Needz at 135 Broadway to check out what’s in stock.
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