Meet the queer designer behind Lizzo’s colorful Pride look
When Insogna posted a photo of their rainbow knit look on Instagram, Lizzo took notice of it.
Back in 2018, fashion designer Grace Insogna caused quite a bit of commotion during their senior year in the BFA program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
For their senior thesis, Insogna decided to design some rainbow knitwear inspired by the colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag, according to a TikTok that they made about the experience this year, in honor of Pride Month. (Per their TikTok bio, Insogna identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community as a nonbinary femme.)
After spending “hundreds of hours” and many “sleepless nights” in the knitting lab, Insogna’s killer look was finally complete. Not only was it fabulous, but it was also historic: According to FIT, Insogna’s look marked the first time a plus-size outfit was represented at the FIT Future of Fashion runway show.
@dissssgrace story time: how @lizzo wore my design for NYC Pride
!!!! #knitwear#fashiondesign#rainbow#lizzo#pride#plussize
♬ Good as Hell – Lizzo
“I believe all people should feel included in fashion, no matter their size!” Insogna explained in their TikTok.
And the excitement doesn’t end there. When Insogna posted a photo of their rainbow knit look on Instagram, Lizzo took notice of it and commented, “I need this.”
“I’m a huge fan of Lizzo so when she commented on my Instagram, I couldn’t believe it!!!” Insogna said.
Just weeks after their graduation, Lizzo asked to borrow Insogna’s design for her 2018 Pride performance at Pier 97 in New York City — and of course, Insogna agreed.
A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Jun 24, 2018 at 4:45am PDT
“As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it felt like destiny,” Insogna said. “I was such a huge fan of Lizzo and her body positivity. It didn’t feel real to have one of my heroes wearing my design.”
On TikTok, people took to the comments to thank Insogna for their body-inclusive and LGBTQIA+-friendly design.
“I’m sobbing so hard because I know no one cares about the plus size industry and seeing one does is emotional. I love you thank you so much,” one person said.
“This is why representation matters!!!” another user added.
“Congratulations!!! That’s such an awesome accomplishment to have Lizzo wear your clothes! Also you’re such an inspiration to the community!” a third person commented.
Follow Insogna on Instagram to keep up with all their latest designs!
In honor of Pride Month, here are 15 Black-led LGBTQIA+ organizations to donate to.
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