SLUG Style: James Newbold
Art and Fashion
At only 19 years old, James Newbold 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.
What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, a decade, a fictional character — anything.
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 Merlin series, Ella Enchanted, The Last Unicorn, Alice in Wonderland, Brandy‘s Cinderella, and the Bratz and Barbie movies. All of these have influenced the overall feel of styling within my brand.
In terms of my personal style, I’m influenced by various designers such as Mowalola Ogunlesi, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, and Jean Paul Gaultier. I’m also very inspired by a lot of fashion icons like Raven-Symone, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, Ravyn Lenae, Rachel Chinouriri, Duckwrth and Absolutely, who have also had a significant role in shaping my personal style.
Tell me about how you’ve maintained the values of slow fashion in your brand. Why is slow fashion important to you?
I’ve always been passionate about sustainability in fashion, especially during high school. I was a “Depop warrior” 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.
What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?
I don’t 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’ve started writing again because of Angstatopia, where I write for campaign videos and fashion show scripts. I’m also exploring making music, as I’ve always loved singing. I love it when people from completely different fields pursue music. I think the best to ever do it is Freya McKee. She’s a designer in London, and she dropped an EP and lowkey vanished. Who knows? Maybe I’ll release some music in the near future.
Tell me more about the name “Angstatopia.” What does your brand name represent to you?
The name “Angstatopia” was inspired by one of my all-time favorite albums, Beatopia by Beabadoobee. I remember her mentioning that she named it after an imaginary world she created as a child, and that idea really resonated with me.
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.
Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?
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 “IDGAF” 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.
What have been some of the biggest challenges and successes of running your own fashion brand? Any goals or upcoming projects?
Asking for help has been one of my biggest challenges. I tend to do everything alone. Recently, a small team of creatives and I were preparing to film a campaign video (coming soon), and the night before the shoot, both my sewing machine and serger stopped working while I still had outfits to finish. I was so afraid to ask for help that it led me to break down. Since then, I’ve made a commitment to ask for help much more often. I think the fact that I get to run a brand at the age of 19 is a significant personal success; but my greatest success within my business would definitely be selling out my first collection. This year is packed with exciting developments that I can barely wrap my head around. I have two collections set to launch, with the first one coming out in just a couple of weeks; we’ll likely start teasing it soon. I also have a few pop-up events scheduled for this fall! One of my goals for this year is to hold a F/W2026 show at some point this year. I would also love to do more custom work for artists. Exciting things are on the way, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?
Whimsy, ambitious and thoughtful
What is your favorite piece you have created and why?
This one is a hard one, but if I had to choose, it would be one that actually hasn’t been released yet! It will be out in the next couple of weeks. If I were to say one that has been released, it would be my star shirt. It makes me so happy every time I wear it, and I can’t wait to bring it back in different variations soon.
How has your personal style evolved over time?
I feel like the more I evolve as a person, the more comfortable I become wearing more experimental pieces. I’ve stopped having a Pinterest board labeled “fitspo” but instead have one with just pieces that I like. I also started buying pieces that I like rather than buying them to replicate an outfit I see. I think about the fact that I can sew almost anything I want now; I have that “I can just make that” mentality, so I haven’t bought brand-new clothes in a minute now.
How has your involvement in the Queer and Black communities influenced your style and your choice to create your own brand?
I believe that the lack of Black x Queer communities and spaces in Utah has significantly influenced me and the creation of my brand. My goal is always to inspire and include others. When I created “Angstatopia,” I aimed to build more than just a brand, but I wanted to create a space for everyone. While it’s important to note that there are Queer and Black spaces in Utah, I sometimes feel like I need to leave my blackness at the door in Queer spaces. While in Black spaces, I often feel as though I’m not Black enough. I also need to get out there more; I’m only 19 years old and feel like I haven’t yet broken out in the SLC scene as much as I have online. A lot of my fellow Queer and African American friends online have definitely contributed to my style. This is the year I’ve begun to really meet new people, collaborate and get more involved.
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell the younger me to slow down. I feel like I’m always trying to catch up with the people around me — even people I don’t know. I’ll see someone at the age of 25 moved out, living in LA, doing these big projects. Then here’s me at 19, and I feel like I need to get to where they’re at in life as soon as possible. I’ll also see my friends and people my age start to move out and get into relationships, and I feel like I need to get there. But I’ve come to realize that we’re all on different paths in life, and I need to slow down!
Read about more fashion designers in Utah:
Hannah Ruth Zander’s Toast of the Town Dazzles Salt Lake City
Sage Nelsen: Upcycled in Every Shade of Pink
