{"id":197905,"date":"2026-06-10T14:36:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T20:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slugmag.com\/?p=197905"},"modified":"2026-06-10T14:36:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T20:36:36","slug":"slug-style-james-newbold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slugmag.com\/arts\/fashion\/art-fashion\/slug-style-james-newbold\/","title":{"rendered":"SLUG Style: James Newbold"},"content":{"rendered":"

At only 19 years old, James Newbold<\/a> has already built his own sustainable fashion brand, with impressively intricate pieces. Inspired by his younger self and the worlds he would imagine, Angstatopia was born. Growing up Black and Queer in Utah, he often felt out of place and made it his mission to create a world that is inclusive for everyone.<\/p>\n

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What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, a decade, a fictional character \u2014 anything.<\/b><\/p>\n

My imagination plays a significant role in shaping my style, especially when it comes to Angstatopia. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, which fuels my creativity in crafting characters and designing their looks. I’m heavily inspired by the Middle Ages and anything whimsical. Some of the films that have shaped my aesthetic include the <\/span>Merlin<\/span><\/i><\/a> series, <\/span>Ella Enchanted<\/a>, The Last Unicorn<\/a>, Alice in Wonderland<\/a>,<\/span><\/i> Brandy<\/b>‘s<\/span> Cinderella<\/span><\/i><\/a>, and the <\/span>Bratz <\/span><\/i><\/a>and <\/span>Barbie<\/span><\/i><\/a> movies. All of these have influenced the overall feel of styling within my brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of my personal style, I’m influenced by various designers such as <\/span>Mowalola Ogunlesi<\/a>, Vivienne Westwood<\/a>, Marc Jacobs<\/a>, and Jean Paul Gaultier<\/a><\/b>. I\u2019m also very inspired by a lot of fashion icons like <\/span>Raven-Symone<\/a>, A$AP Rocky<\/a>, Tyler, the Creator<\/a>, Ravyn Lenae<\/a>, Rachel Chinouriri<\/a>, Duckwrth<\/a> and Absolutely<\/a><\/b>, who have also had a significant role in shaping my personal style.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tell me about how you\u2019ve maintained the values of slow fashion in your brand. Why is slow fashion important to you?<\/b><\/p>\n

I’ve always been passionate about sustainability in fashion, especially during high school. I was a \u201cDepop warrior\u201d during my junior and senior years, and I wholeheartedly believe that you find more unique pieces at second-hand stores and from small businesses. I knew from the start that I wanted Angstatopia to be a sustainable brand. I go by the basic slow fashion “rules.” I sell made-to-order pieces to prevent overstock, which slows down production time by two to three weeks. Those made-to-order pieces are made from natural materials or repurposed fabrics. I also create one-of-one pieces, which are usually upcycled vintage items or made from second-hand fabrics.<\/span><\/p>\n

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James Newbold has found his way back to his passion of writing through Angstatopia. Photo: Anna Chapman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?<\/b><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think many people know this, but I love writing film scripts. I really got into it during quarantine. In my senior year of high school, I even applied to film schools and programs. Recently, I\u2019ve started writing again because of Angstatopia<\/a>, where I write for campaign videos and fashion show scripts. I\u2019m also exploring making music, as I\u2019ve always loved singing. I love it when people from completely different fields pursue music. I think the best to ever do it is <\/span>Freya McKee<\/a>.<\/b> She’s a designer in London, and she dropped an EP and lowkey vanished. Who knows? Maybe I\u2019ll release some music in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tell me more about the name \u201cAngstatopia.\u201d What does your brand name represent to you?<\/b><\/p>\n

The name “Angstatopia” was inspired by one of my all-time favorite albums, <\/span>Beatopia<\/span><\/i> by <\/span>Beabadoobee<\/b><\/a>. I remember her mentioning that she named it after an imaginary world she created as a child, and that idea really resonated with me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During my junior year of high school, in my graphic design class, we were assigned a project to create a company to design for over the semester. At that time in my life, I felt a strong need to escape, leading me to come up with the name “Angstatopia.” It stuck with me until I was ready to turn it into something real. I wanted Angstatopia to represent a place where both I and others could escape to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?<\/b><\/p>\n

It honestly depends on the day. Sometimes I’ll get ready to pick up food or go to the grocery store, and other times you’ll see me in my \u201cIDGAF\u201d outfit. This is pretty rare, though, because I care a lot about what people think. I do feel like the pieces I buy and make can be worn casually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n