Summary:
DapperQ's ninth annual queer fashion show, "Presents Nine," took over the Brooklyn Museum, coinciding with New York Fashion Week.
The event showcased gender nonconforming fashion from eight designers, featuring over 70 LGBTQ models.
The show served as a platform for political activism, with calls for "free Palestine" and Dolce Vita's closing walk wearing a keffiyeh and raising her fist.
Debut models graced the runway, highlighting the diversity of queer expression and the event's radical yet wholesome atmosphere.
DapperQ, founded in 2009, aims to ungender fashion and empower those who are often unrepresented in mainstream media.
The Brooklyn Museum, recognizing the show's impact, provides a platform for celebrating queer and trans designers and their influence on broader culture.
DapperQ's Annual Queer Fashion Show: A Bold Statement in Gender Nonconformity
Over 70 LGBTQ models and eight designers graced the Brooklyn Museum runway for dapperQ's ninth annual fashion show, "Presents Nine." The event, held alongside the official New York Fashion Week, showcased clothing and accessories that celebrated gender nonconformity, transforming the museum into a vibrant spectacle of inclusivity and self-expression.
A Celebration of Queer Identity and Activism
dapperQ, a digital magazine dedicated to highlighting queer fashion as a form of activism, intentionally created its show to be as impactful as mainstream events. Founder Anita Dolce Vita, inspired by the lack of representation in traditional fashion, saw an opportunity to create a platform for queer and trans voices.
A Runway for Political Expression
The show went beyond fashion, serving as a platform for political statements. Emcee Buffy Sierra, a stage manager and drag performer, called for a “free Palestine,” while Dolce Vita closed the show wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, and raising her fist. Dolce Vita emphasizes the inherent political nature of dressing outside the gender binary, viewing it as an act of protest.
A Night of Debut Models and Diverse Expression
The event featured a diverse array of models, including many first-time runway walkers. STEFA, a model for designer Auston Bjorkman's transmasculine collection, walked the runway in a jersey emblazoned with “Trans I Am.” This showcase emphasized the radical and wholesome atmosphere of the event, highlighting the power of queer fashion as a means of self-affirmation and celebration.
The Roots of dapperQ
Dolce Vita established dapperQ in 2009 as a digital space dedicated to “ungendering fashion,” aiming to empower those who felt unrepresented in traditional fashion publications. The first dapperQ show in 2014, a collaboration with DJ Whitney Day, proved to be a resounding success.
Brooklyn Museum Embraces DapperQ's Vision
The Brooklyn Museum, recognizing dapperQ's unique approach to fashion, became the venue for the show's expansion. Director of Public Programs Lauren Zelaya highlights the museum's commitment to celebrating the creativity of queer and trans designers and their influence on broader cultural trends.
An Invitation to Celebrate Freedom and Autonomy
Ultimately, dapperQ's annual fashion show isn't simply about clothes; it's a celebration of queer identity and a call to action. The event encourages individuals to embrace their self-expression, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Through a captivating mix of fashion, performance, and activism, dapperQ continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of the fashion world.
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