October 7, 2024No Comments

Laundry Day

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Photography: @sebastien_nvsd
Muse: @lupeguerragarcia
Assistant: @diegosousap

October 3, 20241 Comment

The Wait is Over: The ICONIQA Art Book is Here!

The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! The first edition of the ICONIQA Art Book is officially available! This visually stunning publication is a vibrant celebration of queer excellence, and it’s ready to take its place in your collection.

ICONIQA is more than just an art book; it’s a movement—a tribute to the brilliance and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. This edition features iconic figures who continue to shape and define our culture through their artistry, courage, and unique perspectives. With a double-sided cover showcasing the legendary Amanda Lepore and the groundbreaking Alok, ICONIQA  represents the diverse spectrum of queer identities and voices that make our community shine.

ICONIQA Art Book Launch Barcelona

Get ready to dive into pages filled with powerful editorials, breathtaking photography, and inspiring visuals contributed by some of the most trailblazing names in queer culture. Featured talents like Gigi Goode, serving otherworldly glamour and fierce style, Symone, showcasing resilience and beauty in her most radiant form, and Gottmik, pushing boundaries with breathtaking visuals and unapologetic expression, all make their mark in this edition. Additionally, M¥SS KETA brings avant-garde aesthetics with fierce authenticity, while The Darvish offers a unique perspective that delves into the depths of queer creativity. The incredible artistry of Kat Sass, Hanabi The K, and Sagittaria, to name a few, further enrich the pages, celebrating the richness of our global community.

Every page of ICONIQA is infused with the spirit of self-expression, resilience, and celebration—designed to inspire, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations. This art book is a tribute to the unapologetic brilliance that defines our community, filled with stories that honour the importance of visibility and representation.

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The ICONIQA Art Book is now available for purchase directly through our website. By getting your copy, you are not only investing in beautiful art but also supporting a movement that celebrates and amplifies diverse voices from every corner of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

October 1, 2024No Comments

Bob’s Dance Shop: Celebrating Queer Identity and Community Building 

Bob's Dance Shop

Bob's Dance Shop is an acclaimed queer dance collective that has gained worldwide recognition for its fun and positive flash mobs. This electrifying collective isn't your average dance troupe; it's a vibrant celebration of queer artistry and inclusivity. Founded by the irrepressible Vince Coconato – Bob's Dance Shop is more than just a group of skilled dancers; it's a community, a safe haven where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can join in and shine with their own unique identity. Since its inception, the collective has placed a significant emphasis on queer expression, which has become an integral part of its identity.

Bob's Dance Shop is an acclaimed queer dance collective that has gained worldwide recognition for its fun and positive flash mobs. This electrifying collective isn't your average dance troupe; it's a vibrant celebration of queer artistry and inclusivity. Founded by the irrepressible Vince Coconato – Bob's Dance Shop is more than just a group of skilled dancers; it's a community, a safe haven where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can join in and shine with their own unique identity. Since its inception, the collective has placed a significant emphasis on queer expression, which has become an integral part of its identity.

In a candid interview with the founder of Bob's Dance Shop, Vince Coconato shared the story of how the collective came to be and why it's essential to celebrate queer expression. Growing up in Central Florida, Coconato was made to feel ashamed of his queer identity and felt deeply closeted and suppressed. He recalls a personal story (probably not too dissimilar from many queer people growing up) of watching himself dancing to “Rhythm is a Dancer” and then immediately feeling a sense of shame. The VHS tape served as a poignant symbol of the suppression that he endured for years.

Bob's Dance Shop
Photographer: Maximo Xtravaganza | Directors: Katie Paul/ Maxx Evan  | Stylists: Vince Coconato/Maxx Evan

After college, Coconato left Central Florida for California, and Los Angeles became the canvas for his artistic rebirth. He left behind a life of fraternity presidency and closeted conformity – and finally found the freedom to explore, discover, and ultimately embrace his true self without “anyone having any pre-understanding of who I was and who I used to be.” 


It was during this time of personal growth and newfound liberation that Coconato created his dream business, Twisted Oak Creative. This company, an extension of Coconato’s innovative brain, would become the umbrella under which Bob’s Dance Shop and his other creative ventures would live. To understand the relationship between Twisted Oak Creative and Bob’s Dance Shop, Coconato explains: “think of Twisted Oak as the Walt Disney universe where you have Cinderella, Snow White, all the other princesses. Well, underneath Twisted Oak, there are these characters. 12 of them, each with their unique personality and style. Well – Bob was the first. But there are others, like Polaroid Pete that will come in too.” Under the Twisted Oak banner, Coconato crafted 12 characters, each of which was a means for him to express himself fully and authentically, showcasing the flamboyance, fashion, and vibrancy that he had once suppressed (somewhere hidden on a VHS tape).

Digging into the notable characters Coconato mentions – Bob (being the group’s namesake) was born from an inside joke at Coconato’s day job from a bright yellow bowling shirt embroidered with the name, but grew into the personification and guiding character for the group and the flash mobs. 

Although he found a sense of accomplishment and creative fulfillment from these dance videos, Coconato lost his day job soon after, and this takes the creation story through an unexpected turn. After losing his job, Coconato embarked on a transformative hitchhiking trip from Los Angeles to Seattle. This fateful trip, which he documented on a vintage Polaroid camera, pushed Coconato beyond his comfort zones, connecting with strangers and relying on intuition. The encounters on the road, often serendipitous, would provide Coconato with deep insight into his true priorities, give birth to a new character Polaroid Pete (the last of his 12), and plant the seeds for what would later become Bob's Dance Shop. 

Returning from his LA to Seattle odyssey, and faced with financial challenges and a desire to avoid a conventional day job, Coconato looked to his repertoire of characters for inspiration. “So I looked at all the 12 characters underneath Twisted Oak and I thought, who is the main character? Who is the sun in the solar system? Who is Zeus in this mythology? And it was Bob. And so out of that, in December of 2019, I officially started Bob's Dance Shop”, Coconato explains.

In December 2019, Bob's Dance Shop was born, initially as a way to make ends meet by hosting in-person dance experiences. Little did Bob know that a pandemic was about to reshape the world, setting the stage for a virtual revolution. Lockdown turned dance classes into virtual experiences, with roommates Lito, Lucas Hive and Kameron with a K, joining the ranks of the Bobs. What started as a Sunday “dance church” during the pandemic evolved into a global phenomenon. The magic of Bob's Dance Shop lies not just in its accidental origin but in the intentional depth woven into its fabric. These are more than just performances; they're acts of systemic defiance, declarations of joy, and testaments to the power of community.

At the core of Bob's Dance Shop is the motto, "Be Our Best."  This motto isn’t just a tagline –  it is a philosophy that emerged when the group formed. Recognizing the limitations of being a solo visionary, he emphasized the importance of collective dreams and finding that sweet spot where individual aspirations intersect. Each Bob contributes a unique talent, a vibrant style and a creative mind that has helped elevate the collective vision."Be Our Best" became the mantra, encapsulating the essence of being present, embracing community, and showing up as the best version of oneself. 

Their workshops, performances, and flash mobs serve as a space where participants are invited to join, and through playful activities and dance moves, they melt the metaphorical ice, fostering inclusivity, confidence, and building community.

In the realm of community building, Bob's Dance Shop serves as a beacon of empowerment and appreciation within the queer collective. For them, community isn't just a group; it's a shared garden where dreams are cultivated, and mutual support thrives. 

Coconato passionately emphasizes the essence of community, drawing an analogy to a collective urban garden. Each member tends to their aspirations, symbolized as plants, and when someone is in need, the community responds with generosity. Coconato eloquently states, "We're a shared garden, literally a collective urban garden where we all have our dreams and we're watering our plants." This vivid imagery captures the nurturing spirit that defines their community. 

Bob's Dance Shop is more than a dance group; it's a haven, a sanctuary, a paradise for authentic expression. The inclusivity of their spaces, whether in big cities or through online communities, is intentional. They aim to spark a realization in individuals that such spaces exist, leaving an indelible mark on those who experience it. Coconato expresses this sentiment by saying, "We want them to have that possibility of just being in that space and experiencing that these spaces actually exist. It's to intentionally spark something in that person. And once you experience it, you are kind of changed. You can't unfeel what you felt." 

In short, Bob's Dance Shop is more than just a dance collective; it's a movement. It's a vibrant beacon of acceptance, a testament to the transformative power of art, and a celebration of the

human spirit in all its glorious diversity. As Coconato puts it, "We want to inspire people to express themselves freely and to be proud of who they are. We want to celebrate queer artistry and inclusivity, and we want to spread joy and positivity through dance." 

Bob's Dance Shop epitomizes the profound impact of art, serving as both a vibrant celebration of diversity and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by Coconato's visionary leadership, this collective resonates with those that experience this unique art form, online or on stage, leaving an enduring impression through its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Bob’s Dance Shop embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of collective expression, challenging societal norms with every dance step. Drawing from the strength gained through their own journey, no matter how turbulent at times –  the Bobs have created a space for others to find liberation and the freedom to express themselves authentically, unencumbered by judgment or prejudice. In short, Bob's Dance Shop fosters unity through diversity, inviting all to revel in the beauty of queer art and join in the joyous celebration of true self expression.

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Written by: Levi Rodriguez @itslikethejeans

Featured Bobs:
@Vincecoconato
@thekameronwithak
@LucasHive
@j.thomasito


Photographer:@MaximoXtravaganza
Directors: @Ktpaul @polobear_irl
Stylists: @VinceCoconato @polobear_irl

August 16, 2024No Comments

The Evolution of Drag Fashion: From Underground Scenes to Mainstream Glamour

Drag fashion, once confined to hidden ballrooms and secret clubs, has now stepped into the spotlight. It has evolved from an underground subculture into a significant influence on global fashion. Designers, celebrities, and everyday people have embraced the bold and creative styles that drag queens have pioneered. What was once seen as outrageous or unconventional is now celebrated on runways and red carpets.

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July 9, 2024No Comments

Emolsa: the Superpower of Both

Emolsa Haasacha is a New York City based Ugandan fashionista/stylist, artist and model. Born and bred in Uganda, a developing country at odds with gender fluidity and where gender expressions is considered an anomaly. A boiling  desire to  break free from all society’s stereotypes was the foundation for his quest to championing change and visibility in his community.

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July 8, 2024No Comments

Amanda Lepore: Illuminating Glamour and Resilience

"The happiest day of my life was when I had my reassignment surgery, becoming the woman I was born to be," she shares.

The memoir, though challenging to write, provides a profound insight into Amanda's resilience and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

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July 3, 2024No Comments

Threads of Change: Emerie Udiahgebi’s Fashion Revolution in Lagos

Emerie’s past collections have often drawn from a rich array of inspirations, weaving narratives that challenge and transcend conventional gender identities. One such collection imagined its muse as both regal and predatory, embodying the duality of visibility and vulnerability that characterises the queer experience in Nigeria. These inspirations are not just artistic choices but are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community—each design a narrative of defiance, resilience, and beauty.

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June 27, 2024No Comments

“Love Is Life Force”: A Conversation with ALOK

ALOK is “constantly becoming.” That’s what the trailblazing multihyphenate says when asked who they are.

“It feels less honest to say who I am and more accurate to say what I’m doing. And what I’m doing is: trying.”

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June 12, 2024No Comments

HANABI The K

Hanabi is a standout figure in the Parisian arts scene, seamlessly blending dance, fashion, and music into a unique expression of creativity. Known for their voguing roots, Hanabi’s journey began with a photoshoot opportunity on La Croisette in Cannes. Despite initial rejections for being "too short" or "too different," their persistence paid off when they joined the House of Ladurée, where they honed their voguing skills and found their voice.

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April 19, 2024No Comments

Yōten: Pioneering a New Era of Inclusive Beauty in Barcelona’s Historic Heart

Nestled in Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter, Yōten is not just a beauty atelier; it's a revolutionary space where history meets modern, inclusive beauty practices. Owned by two queer stylists, Yōten offers a safe, genderless environment with eco-friendly products.

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