Meet Georgia Culp | Sustainable Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Georgia Culp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Georgia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Within the fabric of my heritage, there is a story intricately crafted within a small city called Baldwin Park, situated just outside of Los Angeles, California. A vibrant student, I studied Drama, Chorus, and Drill Team. As the curtain of High School fell, excited by dreams of gracing screens and stages as an actress or dancer. I ventured into the heart of Hollywood, lending my voice to the live stage shows at Universal Studios while becoming a parade performer of Disneyland’s parades and shows in Anaheim. While studies in the arts of dance and acting, I found myself on the sets of TV shows and movies like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Clueless,” content in the shadows until the allure of costume design casted its spell upon me. Venturing into the backlot of old Hollywood on the Paramount Pictures lot, I glimpsed the magic of costume creation and felt the whispers of history in the fabrics that adorned the stars of yesteryears. A new dream stirred within me, and as I sailed the seas as a social host on a Cruise Ship, fate led me to Florida where I crossed paths with my former spouse and was blessed with two beautiful boys. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, I embarked on the voyage of bringing my dreams to life, immersing myself in the realms of high-end fashion, construction, graphics, and the business of Fashion.
The most unexpected turn in my career was becoming a designer for Upcycle Nation on FUSE TV. This competition series features three designers per episode who compete in challenges that involve transforming pre-loved items into new styles with a unique aesthetic. I appeared on television, demonstrating my talent for transforming old bags into a fashionable outfit. This competition reignited my passion for fashion and motivated me to continue pursuing my craft.
The journey was treacherous, marked by odd jobs and the nurturing my craft while raising my two precious sons. It wasn’t until the dawn of my forties that I truly embraced the art of sewing, dedicating a decade to honing my skills. Drawing from the kaleidoscope of my Chicano heritage and the rich elements of theater, TV, and film experiences, I breathe life into my creations, infusing streetwear with elements of punk and horror. My designs, vibrant with the hues of my eclectic background, stand out in the bustling market, as I merge tales of transformation through upcycled garments. In a world awakening to the impact of slow fashion, my garments stand as testaments to the magic of reinvention and the beauty of sustainability.
Drawing from insights gathered at various conventions and markets, I launched a Podcast/YouTube channel where I share my journey as a vendor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Working in the fashion industry as a small business owner is quite challenging. I dedicate myself to this endeavor every day without any breaks, but I truly enjoy it! The main obstacle holding me back from expanding further is my financial situation. Meeting life’s fundamental needs is the primary focus of my business, but in order to grow, I require additional funds, which means increasing production. The speed at which I can sew is limited by the sewing machines I currently have. These machines are crucial to my creations, and working with an old single-needle Juki and home sewing machines presents a constant challenge. Despite these constraints, I manage to produce inventory with the equipment available to me. However, finding affordable events to showcase my products is a struggle. On the bright side, all my machines are operational, and I am physically and mentally well. Utilizing a variety of second-hand clothing items greatly contributes to the growth of my business. By setting daily goals and taking things one step at a time, I am confident that my business will continue to expand.I take pride in breathing new life into forgotten materials, transforming them into edgy and stylish pieces that are as sustainable as they are fashionable. Each creation is carefully crafted with a passion for individuality and a touch of rebellious spirit. From bold denim jackets to vibrant accessories, Scrap The Catwalk offers a diverse range of upcycled fashion that caters to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re a fan of vintage punk vibes or prefer a more rockabilly aesthetic, there’s something for everyone – including our beloved furry and scaly companions. Our collection isn’t just about clothing; it’s a statement of creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to reducing waste in the fashion industry.
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Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I enjoy taking my out-of-town friends to Key West for ghost hunting adventures. One of the places I love to visit is “Robert the Doll”. The city is rich in history, and my friends from California are always amazed by the stunning blue waters during the drive. Another favorite spot is Cassadaga, a Spiritualist camp offering captivating night tours with ghost stories and town history. During the day, we explore the Fairy Trail, a nature walk inhabited by pixies, gnomes, and sprites. If there’s a convention happening, count me in! I seek out Horror, Oddities, or Punk conventions, as they’re a personal favorite. Lately, I’ve been drawn to Cat Conventions and I’m excited to attend Catastravaganza in Tampa, FL this summer. I’m totally up for crashing a punk gig! If there’s one going down in Lakeland or Fort Pierce, count me in. The bands, vendors, and beer are top-notch!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit Chelsea Preston (Mc Cown) for igniting my enthusiasm for sustainable design. By introducing me to the captivating realm of wearable art, she unveiled the deeper significance of fashion beyond mere garments. In her role as the Fashion Department Chair, her guidance not only refined my abilities but also steered me towards a successful career in the Fashion Industry.

I would also like to give a shoutout to Chad Chastain. When I was struggling to establish my market presence with my upcycled t-shirt bags and was unsure of my niche, Chad discovered me at an event and invited me to The Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market. This opportunity marked a turning point for my business as I connected with like-minded individuals who valued my designs. As the event is approaching its 9th edition, I am immensely proud to be a member of this wonderful community.

Website: https://scrapthecatwalk.wixsite.com/scrapthecatwalk

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/scrapthecatwalk/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaculp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scrapthecatwalk

Other: https://linktr.ee/scrapthecatwalk

Image Credits
Upcycle Nation – Contestant on FUSE TV