Author | Christiane Nickel | Fashion Editor
Summer may be still pussyfooting its way around the corner but regardless the spirit of this long awaited season is in full bloom. It’s events like Emily Hall Smith’s 2nd annual “Dandyette” that kickstart this season into full action. I had a chance to sit down with Emily, one of NYC/Brooklyn’s most notable party promoters, to chat about her most recent event “Dandy/ette”.
Photography by Gizelle Peters
What is your initial vision for “Dandy/ette”?
Initially we were working with the Sleep No More space / The Manderley Bar and we wanted to use the feeling of the space, which is very old-timey sexy vintage feeling, to influence the theme of the party. We came up with the idea of transporting people back in time to a 1920’s gay bar and encouraged everyone to dress in the style of those times and participate in an interactive theatrical party environment. With our new venue, Madame X, I saw a space that had that same aesthetic and I knew the Dandy/ette party would work perfectly in that venue as well.
How (if at all) has it changed from last year, in terms of the acts featured, style, etc,?
This year’s event was actually quite similar to last year’s. Most people came decked out in costume and we had a fantastic dance performance both years. Last year Ani Taj choreographed a dance for The Dance Cartel to a track designed by DJ Average Jo, and this year Georgia Sanford choreographed a number for the Haus of Sweat and the Sisters of Ritual to a track by JT Almon. This year’s performance was a bit racier though. And this year we were fortunate to have not only a Grey Goose Le Melon promotion giving away free cocktails for the first couple hours, but also a photographer from DapperQ shooting costumes and scouting for a model for their next He Said/We Said editorial.
What were some noteworthy looks that captured the spirit of “Dandy/ette”?
People came in the spirit and had some truly fantastic costumes. There were some people in suits, some in lacy undergarments, and a whole variety of dapper gender-bending fashion. Fake moustaches, real moustaches, and lipstick everywhere! It was spectacular.
As a 20’s themed party what are some of your favorite stores for getting the Dandyette look? Or icons that best embody this (ie: Juliette Campbell or Murray Hill)?
I don’t think Dandy/ette can be confined to a single look, it is really up for a wide interpretation, but I would say the best places to look for clothes that reflect the vibe of the event are vintage or thrift stores, or to look up the many queer clothiers featured on Posture and DapperQ’s websites, because there are so many independent brands making really beautiful formal wear for queer bodies out there.
What can we expect to see next year?
Well we may start making this a more frequent event than just annually so keep your eyes peeled for something in late summer or fall. We will likely return to Madame X because it’s such a fantastic venue. The heart and soul of the party will stay the same but we will keep trying to infuse fun little surprises as well.
What makes “Dandy/ette” uniquely different from other queer parties?
I think the fact that it’s a fashion-oriented event with a theme makes it a unique party. Everyone loves an excuse to dress to the nines! Making the partygoer an active participant in the ambiance of the event adds not only to their individual experience but the experience of the group as a whole.
If you could pick any list of artists, spaces, and performers from any era to come to “Dandyette” who would they be?
All of the gay ghosts of the past were present with us at Dandy/ette sipping their champagne and dancing in the candlelight.
As a well established party promoter in the queer scene what are some of your favorite events and what is your advice for young queers that are interested in your line of work?
I really love parties that are mixed and diverse crowds, so some of my favorites are Hey Queen, Misster!, and PAT. For young people who want to get into party promoting the best advice I can give you is – be persistent, patient, and generous. Get out there and network and meet people as much as you possibly can, recognize and utilize the talents of others, and do everything with integrity. Generosity in all forms is the real key to success.
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