For Central Washington University senior Meli Rivera Garcia, fashion isn’t just about fabric and stitching – it’s about telling stories of love, identity, and heritage.
Rivera Garcia, a proud Sunnyside native, is one of nine featured designers showcasing original collections in the 29th annual CWU Fashion Show hosted by the university’s Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM) program.
A news release said this year’s show theme, “Transcendence,” highlights innovation and the transformative power of fashion. Rivera Garcia’s collection stands out as a heartfelt tribute to queer and familial love, crafted through the skills developed in CWU’s rigorous fashion design curriculum.
“My collection is based around love, from my perspective as a queer person,” he said. “And also, familial love, because that’s how I express love with my family. There’s a lot of important family elements, and a lot of thought behind the looks and what I used.”
Through courses like Digital Presentation Techniques and Advanced Fashion Design, Rivera Garcia has honed his craft in pattern making, Adobe Illustrator, and visual storytelling. His work is personal and polished, reflecting his creative voice and deep ties to home.
For Rivera Garcia, the event is more than just a fashion show; it’s a milestone moment in a journey that began right here in the Yakima Valley.
Doors open at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, for a silent digital auction featuring donated items from businesses and artists. The show begins at 3 p.m. at the Milo Smith Tower Theatre in Ellensburg.
The following is a Q&A with Rivera Garcia ahead of the big event to talk about his collection “Amor Sagrado,” inspiration, challenges, and what it means to represent Sunnyside on the runway.
Can you describe what inspired the name “Amor Sagrado” for your collection, and what it means to you personally?
The name “Amor Sagrado” was inspired by my identity as a queer and trans person, and my desire to reject the idea that queerness is tied to shame or self-rejection. Instead, I wanted to center love: sacred love. Love for myself, for my family, for my culture and for my friends. This collection is about finding beauty and divinity in the way we love, and reclaiming softness, tenderness, and pride.
How did your experiences growing up in Sunnyside shape your identity and creative voice as a designer?
Growing up in Sunnyside, a predominantly Mexican town, definitely shaped who I am. Being queer in a tight-knit, traditional community brings its own challenges, but it also gives me a strong sense of family and pride in my roots. My parents are incredibly hard working—especially in agriculture—and I carry that work ethic with me into every stitch and design. My sisters have also been a huge support system and inspiration in my life.
You mentioned that this collection explores love in many forms — self, familial, romantic, platonic. Can you share how one of the specific pieces in your collection expresses one of these forms?
One of my favorite pieces features hand woven materials made in collaboration with my family. I didn’t originally know how to weave, but my family taught me—especially my mom and grandma, who used to weave “petates” to sell and help support our household. That weaving tradition became the heart of my design process. We used twill tape that I hand-dyed, and every thread carries the love and labor of my family. It’s my way of honoring them and the legacy of craft passed down to me.
You’ve said this line pushes back on the idea that being trans is rooted in self-hatred. What message do you hope people take away from seeing your work on the runway?
It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially with where we stand right now—not just as queer individuals, but as Latine people too. But I want to remind others that existing as your true self is powerful. It’s a beautiful, positive thing to be exactly who you are.
How has your time in the Apparel, Textiles & Merchandising program at CWU helped you grow as both a designer and a storyteller?
Even though I’ve only been in the program since last year, I’ve gained so many technical skills. I learned how to create patterns from scratch and now I can fully visualize, draft, and sew an entire collection. I’ve always been creative, but now I have the tools to transform my ideas into tangible garments that tell a story.
What are your dreams after graduation — do you hope to continue designing, and if so, what kinds of stories do you want to tell through fashion?
Yes, I definitely want to keep designing. One of my biggest dreams is to start my own brand one day. I want to continue making pieces that are meaningful to me—clothing that reflects my queer identity, my culture, and my family. I want each garment to carry a deeper message and connect with people on an emotional level.
What does it mean to you to have your work featured in this long-running fashion show and supported by your community?
It means everything. Coming from a small town, it’s powerful to have my work seen and appreciated. I hope it inspires others—especially people from smaller communities or underrepresented backgrounds—to keep creating and to take up space proudly.
Is there anything else you’d like readers from your hometown to know about your journey, your work, or the meaning behind “Amor Sagrado”?
I want them to know how much I value handcrafted traditions—especially ones like weaving “petates,” which have been passed down in my family. My collection is a love letter to those traditions and the people who taught them to me. I hope it shows that there’s strength and beauty in honoring where you come from.
