Author | Winter Mendelson | Founding Editor
When Anita Dolce Vita of dapperQ sat across the table from me at a cafe in January of this year, I realize now that I had no idea the true scope of what I was agreeing to. Collaborating with dapperQ was something I had wanted to do since launching Posture almost two years ago, so of course when she proposed the idea of a fashion show I was beyond thrilled at the opportunity to work and learn from someone who is making waves on the masculine-of-center style front. We were excited at the idea of teaming up to showcase the spectrum of LGBTQI expression and its intersections with race and identity, and thus Anita invited in bklyn boihood and DYDH Productions as well and our dream team was complete. Almost one year’s worth of hard work culminated in a 45 minute runway show, and it was worth it. I’ve never been in one place where so many different facets of the NYC queer, non binary, and trans community were vibing and celebrating together so magically. There was nothing but power and badassery in the air as eight independent designers and their teams confidently styled and prepped models to take the runway.
VERGE was not just a fashion show, but a subversion of traditional concepts of beauty, gender, identity, race, ethnicity, self-consciousness, and the body. And what better time to spark this dialogue than during the official New York Fashion Week. We wanted to present an alternative to what we see in mainstream media, and thanks to the passion of the VERGE team, it was provided.
It was an honor to work with Anita and Deeba Zivari of dapperQ, Zahyr Lauren and Van Bailey of bklyn boihood, Posture Magazine’s Fashion Editor Christiane Nickel, Giancarlo Corbacho and Randi Shandroski of LACTIC, Sandra Gagalo of SAGA NYC, and all of the incredible models, hair/makeup team, and volunteers that made the event possible. Thank you for an incredible collaboration and experience!
On Thursday, September 17th VERGE: Queer New York Fashion Show took place at Brooklyn Museum and featured Lactic, SAGA NYC, FONY, MARKANTOINE, NotEqual, KQK, SunSun, and Jag & Co.
Special thanks to Colette Lee Morales and Jonathan Retzkin of Colette Lee Productions for the runway mastery.
Photography by Katya Moorman and Karen Dunn
You can view additional photos here.
