# Queer Wool Runway Looks I Wool Survive Turns Wool from Gay Rams into Handcrafted Runway Pieces By Amy Duong | Published 2025-11-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-wool-survive References: [secure.businesswire](https://secure.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113072993/en/Grindr-Connects-the-Flock-From-Gay-Sheep-to-the-NYC-Runway-to-the-Global-Gayborhood)  The I Wool Survive collection turns wool from gay rams into handcrafted runway pieces through a collaboration between Grindr, Rainbow Wool and designer Michael Schmidt. The project uses fleece from rams identified by farmers as exhibiting same-sex preference, spinning the material into yarn for a full set of show looks. The runway lineup includes structured tops, cropped uniforms, knit accessories and pieces that reinterpret familiar queer-coded aesthetics within a textile-focused format. Each garment is produced using standard hand-spinning and tailoring methods adapted for the specific wool quality provided by the flock. The collection reframes the wool source as a point of pride rather than a reason for livestock disposal, highlighting an unusual supply chain within a fashion context. The pieces were developed as limited works intended for runway presentation and auction, linking the release to fundraising efforts for LGBTQ+ initiatives. The approach combines material novelty with clear cultural intent while maintaining recognizable garment construction. Image Credit: Grindr ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.3/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 56% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Upcycled LGBTQ+ Fashion:** Fashion brands are increasingly embracing upcycling and using unique, previously overlooked materials like wool from gay rams to create culturally resonant and exclusive designs. - **Cultural Supply Chain Innovation:** Introducing diversity and unexpected narratives into supply chains disrupts traditional practices, as seen in the use of gay ram wool which transforms livestock into a celebrated source of raw materials. - **Queer-influenced Textile Artistry:** Designers are exploring queer aesthetics through textile-focused projects, creating garments that challenge and reinterpret conventional norms in high fashion. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Ethical Fashion:** The ethical fashion industry is broadening to include products that celebrate unique narratives, such as wool from gay rams, pushing the boundaries of sustainable and inclusive apparel. - **LGBTQ+ Advocacy:** Fashion collaborations like I Wool Survive demonstrate how industries can merge creative expression with advocacy, turning garment collections into platforms for supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives. - **Sustainable Textiles:** Innovations in sustainable textiles are emerging from unconventional sources, using unique narratives and materials to forge eco-friendly yet culturally significant fashion statements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Origami-Inspired Holiday Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tale-of-wonders.md) - [Magnetic Adapter Hub Connectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiport-adapter.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playdate-handheld.md) - [Revived Modular Photo Booths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frames-booth.md) - [Playful Children-Focused Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soap-pen.md) - [Daylight Savings-Timed Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daylight-saving.md) - [Elegant Mediterranean Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sid-lee-architecture.md) - [Luxurious Contemporary Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tropical-living.md) - [Cheekily Creative Bookmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrated-bookmarks.md)