"I'd always go before class [and ask the teacher] 'Can you just call me Kitty?'" recalls Trujillo. "I'm here, you don't have to call my name because [the teachers are] always butchering [it]."
The moniker stuck with Trujillo throughout middle school and high school, where she became an extrovert. As she became friends with most of her classmates, Trujillo was solely recognized as "Kitty" and loved sporting hand-me-downs on a daily basis.
While selling snacks like candy and chips on the side, Trujillo was able to buy her own clothing and had the luxury of choosing what she wanted to wear. As she added new additions to her wardrobe, her style would become an avid conversation starter.
"Being told from others, 'Oh my gosh, I love your style,' felt so good," says Trujillo. "Not only did I feel good, but I allowed others to get inspired [by my style]."
Trujillo views fashion as a form of art and self-expression and says she will do anything to achieve the perfect outfit for any circumstance. From turning her room upside down to spending time looking in the mirror and trying on different accessories, Trujillo believes the process of creating an outfit is "beautiful," especially when having photoshoots with her friends.
As a student at Contemporary Learning Academy, Trujillo would take pictures for fun and eventually got asked by a classmate to model for a photography assignment. Once the experience was over, Trujillo became more comfortable modeling and began to express herself on social media more comfortably.
When Trujillo was 17 years old, she joined @303trending, a group of Denver creatives who collaborated on photoshoots, videos and projects. Denver-based creative and friend Jameelah Mims informed Trujillo about the group and encouraged her to join with her.
"It was cool. I love to be around other like-minded people," says Trujillo. "Community is everything."
Kitty rocking a bold yet unique ensemble in the Denver metro area.
DuPree McIntosh (@worldmediagallery)
Trujillo's ability to easily adapt to any creative world didn't go unnoticed, as she began modeling for local brands such as Killionaire and Veri Apparel. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Trujillo decided to take a break from social media and began focusing on herself.
"[The break] was needed," says Trujillo. "Isolation is needed here and there, but you've got to find a balance when you're able to go back out there [and] be around other people that want to create together."
In April 2022, Trujillo came back to Denver's fashion scene with a bang by modeling at Kojo Klothing's "Born in the Jungle" fashion show. Kadir Kojo created the two-day event featuring small local designers after being rejected from Denver Fashion Week. The event featured a live gallery that incorporated local high-class and streetwear products and opportunities for musicians and photographers.
Trujillo continued to model for local fashion brands across the Denver area and collaborate with up-and-coming photographers. However, in November 2023, Trujillo made her DFW debut for brands Dogha1r and Sedulous Design and stood out for her prominent attitude and height, just under five feet.
"You may be short, but that means you just have to go a little harder with other areas," says Trujillo. "Height is the big thing that designers [look] for. But if you bring something more than height, you'll be fine."
Fashion designer and founder of Uniq U Jean Chance Eugene first came onto the Denver fashion scene in 2021 by showing his debut collection at IRL Gallery in the RiNo district. As he connected with other creatives, he noticed Trujillo's "good energy" at pop-ups and shows year-round.
Eugene says that Trujillo's "will to grow every day" is a shining attribute of hers, adding that as a spiritual person, Trujillo believes that every person has the choice of deciding what to do with what they have, especially how they express themselves.
"Her style feels like a character all its own. Timeless yet unmistakably hers," says Eugene. "She has a way of blending eras with her own touch, making every outfit feel intentional."
Photographer and owner of World Media Gallery DuPree McIntosh found Trujillo on Instagram while he was in high school. Growing up, he learned the art of photography from his grandfather and took a course while in high school.
After following Trujillo and reaching out to collaborate in 2023, the pair would frequent spots across Denver and create bold imagery together. In McIntosh's opinion, Trujillo is "one of the flyest dressers in the whole state of Colorado."
"She knows how to put that shit on," says McIntosh. "Kitty is a one-of-one person. There's no replicating her style."
Kitty rocking a blue-dominant outfit with her distinct taste.
Kitty (@kitttty111)
As she works to become a relationship coach and hone in on her artistic endeavors, Trujillo continues to model for fun and work with local creatives. Recently, she modeled for up-and-coming annual print alternative magazine Girl Pervert's second issue, "The Manifesto," as an office siren baddie. When it comes to taking a fashion risk, Trujillo wants people to be fearless about their choices and follow their gut.
"Don't be afraid to look crazy when you leave the house," says Trujillo. "Do it because you're setting a new trend, you're inspiring others and you're doing it because you like it. Who cares what anyone else thinks?"
