NELSON PONCE-CHOSCO

Read more: My DIG Magazine Interview.

Creative Direction by Nelson Ponce-Chosco

Set in a Vintage shop, this shoot explores culture’s current recession and its influence on modern fashion. The reemergence of polkadots and red lipstick is a recession indicator also seen in 1950s-60s fashion. It was a form of wanting to feel classy and luxurious in times of recession. This project marks the start of the Print-𖣠-Verse series, where we explore prints in fashion through time and pattern recognition.

Creative Direction by Nelson Ponce-Chosco – Florals in fashion for Campus Couture Long Beach | Shot by Ximena Rodriguez

Creative Direction: This is a nod to the 1960s Flower Power Movement with an intersectional feminist twist. Common criticism of the 1960s Flower Power Movement is that it was too white and upper-middle class. This shoot features a diverse group of women models empowering womanhood and femininity. Title Cards designed by me.

Creative Direction by Nelson Ponce-Chosco – Black Power in Black Dandy fashion for Campus Couture Long Beach | Shot by Catarina Carpegiani

Creative Direction: Many art spaces have been pioneered by black artists and other artists of color who are often overlooked. The premise of this shoot is to pay respects to past creative directors in Campus Couture History. Photographed are Anjali Knight and Ahni Dominique, two black women who are actively crossing creative bounds to pave ways for black artists alike.

Full Styling by Nelson Ponce-Chosco for Parti.la, makeup contributor | Creative Direction by Robstablook | Shot by Kaio Cesar

-My fashion is heavily inspired by Club Kids and I want to keep the culture alive. In ༄pLAneT neLs⏻n c⏻miCs♪⋆, this project marks the rise of the ⏻n⏻n⏻mly, said to harness superhuman abilities.

Creative Direction by Rob Nelson: ★ Parti Los Angeles explores and empowers queer youth and night life Club Kids style for Pride Month. This shoot is inspired by the Club Kids Movement in the 1980s.

By Nelson Ponce-Chosco

Representing Sadness.

Crafting can be messy, but that’s part of the fun! It should not deter you from trying new art forms. Artists are under attack; Embrace curiosity and explore the arts! This item is not for sale, it is more of a sculptural piece on consumerism. As a kid, I dreamed of seeing boys play with girls toys in commercials, instead of the clear gendered segregation advertised. This perpetuated stigmas brought forth by unfair views on masculinity. I modeled for this piece using crocheted items I created. Be a vile artist, cause a stir and, perhaps, disappoint your parents in the process. Everything is designed by me.

by Nelson Ponce-Chosco Tyvek and Wires (30x20x50 inches)

This piece explores queer metamorphosis after conversion therapy. My piece titled “GROW A PAIR” is inspired by fairy folklore mixed in with biblically accurate angel imagery. This piece is not religious by any means, but instead showcases metaphorical metamorphosis from overcoming religious oppression. As I grew up queer in a Christian church and religious household, I was told to man up a lot as many young boys are told to in a patriarchal society. In other words, boys are told to “grow a pair,” to encourage them to not feel, but instead suppress. For example, when I was younger, I was put into conversion therapy for being queer when I came out at 15. During these developmental years, I was told so many offensive phrases that were subconsciously internalized into self-hatred, depression, and isolation. As I have matured into my adulthood, I have found true love within myself that I am so grateful to experience. The self validation of my self concept brings true fulfillment into my life, so much so that I have turned the phrase “grow a pair” on its head and made it my own. This metamorphosis has brought a light into my life that no force religion ever did. Instead of its original offensive connotation, I have reclaimed it to symbolize growing a pair of wings in an act of coming out to later soar into true freedom.