SLUG Style: Litzi Estrada

Meet Litzi Estrada

Litzi Estrada is the reigning gothic queen this spooky season! In addition to covering SLC’s heavy metal scene as a SLUG Senior Staff Writer, Estrada also creates art across multiple mediums. Influenced by B-horror films and her Latina heritage, Estrada has a truly unforgettable, killer style!

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

Some influences I look at as inspiration for my personal style would be a mix of old Mexican and American stars such as Dolores del Río, Maria Fèlix, Bettie Page and Hedy Lamarr. I also love gothic subcultures and get some stylistic influences from movies like The Crow, Queen of the Damned, The Love Witch and Elvira. 

You identify as “Afro-Xicana.” How do you think your cultural heritage has influenced your style?

Being Latina and of African descent are some of my biggest identities. Also, in my culture, there is one big traditional dance we have called “La Danza de los Diablos” from Cuajinicuilapa, Mexico. This translates to “Dance of the Devils,” which, to outsiders, might seem scary or demonic because we dance to a donkey jawbone. Additionally, we wear masks made of paper mache, antlers, and horse hair, creating a striking, traditional appearance. In reality, we dance as resistance and as a plea to the African god Ruja, aiming to liberate our ancestors from oppression.

Because I grew up celebrating these cultural rituals, I gradually integrated spiritualism, death, and the occult into my personal style. I’ve always been drawn to the macabre and the “weird,” naturally incorporating these interests into my everyday life.

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 love to oil paint, listen to metal and write. Few people know that I also enjoy collecting dead bugs, animals, and all things weird, including dolls, taxidermy, and clowns. I even have a vintage 1970s CPR Resusci Anne doll, named “Annie,” which I proudly show every visitor.

Are you always “on,” or would someone see you at the grocery store with a simpler version of your style?

I am definitely always “on,” as dressing this way feels like part of my self-care routine. I’ve received many comments from coworkers wondering where I’m going, which feels special because of my style outside work. I definitely put a lot of effort into my look. In fact, you would rarely ever see me in any “leisure clothing” in public — I really love dressing up. 

If you had to describe Litzi Estrada in three words, what would those be? 

Eccentric, fierce, passionate.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

As a younger girl, I was definitely going through some sort of identity crisis. So, trying to assimilate with my white peers, I would try to dress like the “normal” trends that most young Utah girls would follow. As I got into high school I really started to understand my cultural background and learned to understand myself more, so I started thrifting and experimenting with my makeup and style freshman year. I went through multiple phases and styles throughout high school, specifically from the ‘70s and ‘80s. I have definitely changed as an individual, you can see it as you look through my old high school photos. 

What’s something niche that you absolutely love that most wouldn’t expect from you?

I really love painting. Although I don’t do it as much as I used to, I participated in a bunch of art markets and projects in the summer of 2019. Around that time, I worked on a mural about social justice and culture with a few other selected local teen artists, along with Ruby Chacon and Lily Yuriko Nakai Havey. Moreover, creating that mural really made me want to explore more of my art through my identity and culture. 

This summer, I had the honor of being a curator for the Salt Lake City Library’s HUM Collective. I also got the opportunity to listen to all sorts of music and be a part of the decision-making for their ever-growing collection of music that represents the local SLC music scene!

Since this is our Halloween issue, what is a tradition that you love to do every Hallows Eve? 

Every Halloween, I proudly honor my Mexican heritage by setting up my ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos, celebrated November 1–2. I thoughtfully display photos of passed relatives and, in addition, offer favorite foods, marigolds, and candles to celebrate their legacy. I love setting up my ofrenda each year; moreover, I hope that someday someone will honor me after I’m gone.

Death has been such a negative thing in many people’s eyes and is also something many people fear, which is only natural. But you are very important before and after your death. Death is only natural and it is the only thing promised in our lives. I live every day with so much love to give and I make sure to make every single day count. In many non-western cultures, death is such a beautiful rite of passage that everyone must go through; however, I wish it weren’t so stigmatized. 

If you could give a piece of advice to young Litzi Estrada, what would it be?

You are different and it’s okay to not be like everyone else. You don’t give yourself enough credit for the person you are and you cannot love others until you love yourself to the fullest. 

Read more about the fashion icons of SLC:
SLUG Style: Arthur Diaz
SLUG Style: Deedee Sathianthammawit