Devious by Design: The Upcycled World of Coco Alarcón

Blending the raw edge of punk with the heart of sustainability, Coco Alarcón is the creative force behind Devious Saint, an upcycled fashion brand that’s as bold as it is inclusive.

With roots in photography and culinary arts, Coco’s artistic journey spans continents, but it’s his rebellious approach to secondhand fashion that’s turning heads. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Coco to talk about his Peruvian heritage, the birth of Devious Saint, and his mission to bring punk style and body diversity to the forefront of queer fashion.

Richard Jones: Hi Coco, tell me about your background 

Coco Alarcón: I’m originally from Peru and have lived in several countries since my teenage years. I’m a professional photographer and also studied culinary arts in the United States. Now, I’m embarking on a new adventure — creating upcycled clothing and giving garments a second chance.

RJ: What led you to create the Devious Saint Brand? 

CA: Devious Saint was born from a creative shift. The name comes from my first photographic exhibition in the U.S. While working as an event photographer for various magazines in Florida, I realized I needed something more fulfilling. I began experimenting by making face masks — that led me to sewing and working with different materials. During photo shoots, I often used unique shirts as props for models. Eventually, I wanted to make more of these one-of-a-kind pieces, and that’s when the transition to clothing design began.

RJ: Explain the brand to our readers.

CA: Devious Saint is about second chances. We use a five-step process to reinterpret each garment — we strip back the original color and build new layers to create something truly unique. Each piece develops its own personality. While we began with flannels — yes, even in Florida — we’ve since expanded into short-sleeved and sleeveless options as well.

RJ: You just developed Bear Sizes, what made you create this new range for the bears?

CA: Bear Sizes was created because I saw a gap in the market. When I started getting my pieces into retailers, I noticed their size ranges only went up to XL. Friends of mine who loved the designs felt excluded. So I began researching materials, colors, and patterns that would work for larger sizes. It’s a new direction for us, but we’re staying true to the brand’s DNA — just making sure more people feel seen and included.

RJ: What can we see in the future of the Bear Size range? 

CA: We’re still at the beginning of our journey, but we’re excited to learn and grow. That’s why feedback is so important to us. Once you own a piece, we want to hear from you — your thoughts will help shape the future of Devious Saint.

For more info and to check out the Bear Sizes range, visit: www.devioussaint.com