GRIFFIN WILSON
by Naomi C. Ilochi
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12, better known as University Prep, is the origin for a rising fashion designer named Griffin Wilson.
The Pittsburgh native, raised in the West End, and a U-Prep high school Class of 2016 graduate, is adding his touch to the fashion scene in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Through Wilson’s clothing brand, “UNSTABLE,” he is assembling a wearable safe space for individuals far and wide, one that Wilson himself wasn’t always privy to.
“I wasn’t given a life that most would want,” Wilson said. Wilson went through a lot as a Black and queer child, and was often teased for who he was by the outside world and family. Being creative was Wilson’s escape from “real life,” and his imagination as a kid was his conduit to a kinder life. He used to write short stories, make folders, design baggy ripped jeans, even customize his own hats, in hopes of finding any outlet that would remove him from his day-to-day life.
Over time he developed a love for fashion, but his hardships still persisted. In 2019, Wilson even considered taking his own life. The outlets of fashion and creativity were “no longer working, and I’m not happy, I don’t want to be here.”
But it was in this moment he thought about the reality that he had yet to live out his dreams of fashion, design and creativity. These redirecting thoughts pulled Wilson out of that dark space, and from there he vowed to himself, in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, that “I will never get here again, I’m going to live a better life.”
GRIFFIN WILSON (PHOTO BY TORI STIPCAK)
Wilson began going to counseling, and by his second session he was asked to “write down the words that described what he felt.” One of the first words that came to mind was “unstable.” Out of that came the creation of “UNSTABLE” on November 27, 2020.
Wilson’s goal with his brand is to tell a story of triumph, overcoming and seeing the other side. Emphasizing the importance of creating a life that prioritizes honoring the full spectrum of emotion. Ironically through clothing, Wilson storytells the juxtaposition of feeling and presentation.
Wilson’s persistence, determination and invaluable skills in fashion design eventually led him to work with notable companies and organizations like The Original Mattress Factory in 2024, The O’Noir Foundation in 2024 and currently the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for their yearly “Great Night Gala: A Night of Smiles.” This year, the gala will take place on Friday, June 6, from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. at the Children’s Museum. The “Great Night Gala” is the Children’s Museum’s largest fundraiser of the year, aiming to “raise funds to continue allowing the Children’s Museum to further its mission of providing innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners,” according to a definition in an article from PublicSource.
Wilson was selected to design a floral-themed piece for the gala, inspired by his late grandmother, who was an upholstery seamstress, gardener and safe space for Wilson during troubled times.
Wilson’s piece will be showcased exhibit-style throughout the night for attendees to enjoy and celebrate the beauty of inclusivity, kindness, queerness, and the truth that, Wilson said, “we’re not just a rainbow, we’re more than that.”
(Editor’s note: Tickets for the gala can be purchased at pittsburghkids.org.)
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