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.

In the heart of Tokyo, a city where fashion, culture, and tradition intermingle in a captivating tapestry, there emerges a luminous figure who refuses to be confined by boundaries.

Aisho Nakajima, a 26-year-old artist, stands at the intersection of vibrant self-expression, embracing queerness, and redefining Tokyo's creative landscape.

I will take you on a journey into Aisho's world, where makeup, fashion, visual arts, and music converge to create a vision of artistry that is wholly and unapologetically his own.

In the ever-evolving landscape of queer culture, there exists a performer who defies the traditional confines of gender norms with an audacious blend of artistry and activism. Born in Argentina and currently captivating audiences in Barcelona, Spain, Beltran stands as a beacon of self-expression and inclusivity. Through his work, both online and off, Beltran has become a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to spotlight issues of diversity and acceptance. His activism extends beyond the digital domain, making tangible impacts through various initiatives and serving as a spokesperson for causes close to his heart.

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.”

In the vibrant landscape of North India, where tradition dances with modernity, emerges Abhishek Yadav — a queer photographer, who describes himself as: “[a] contemporary man of India. Sketching, curating, designing, and narrating editorials which are potent to ethno contemporary India”. In short, Abhi is on a mission to redefine beauty and expression. 

Kuntessa, an electrifying presence in East London's music scene, brings her distinctive blend of DIY pop from the picturesque landscapes of Italy to the bustling urbanity of the Thames. Her debut EP, "Pussy Pitstop," is a kaleidoscope of sound that deftly navigates the realms of punk, R&B, and bubblegum pop, wrapped in a package of erotic themes and camp, tongue-in-cheek humor. Her music, known for its unforgettable melodies and vivid storytelling, draws listeners into a world where the lines between satire and sincerity blur, inviting them into the depths of her imaginative universe.

Frank Betancort es todo un estado de ánimo, un prisma deslumbrante de alegría queer y delicadeza de la moda, proveniente de las soleadas y animadas costas de Lanzarote en las Islas Canarias. Ha estado incendiando las pasarelas desde Milán/Paris hasta Zúrich y Ciudad de México, no solo con su impresionante apariencia sino también con una expresión valiente de su fluidez de género que es tan refrescante como la brisa del mar. Imagínatelo: un camaleón lingüístico, que habla cuatro idiomas con fluidez y que hace conexiones más profundas que la última puntada de un vestido de alta costura, al mismo tiempo que encarna la esencia de un alma antigua con un toque moderno.

Frank Betancort is an entire mood, a dazzling prism of queer joy and fashion finesse, hailing from the sunny, spirited shores of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. They've been setting the runways ablaze from Milan/ Paris to Zurich to Mexico City, not just with their killer looks but with a fearless expression of their gender fluidity that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze. Picture them: a linguistic chameleon, fluent in four languages, making connections deeper than the last stitch on a haute couture gown, all while embodying the essence of an old soul with a modern twist.

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.

En el vibrante espectro de grises del arte contemporáneo, ciertas estrellas brillan con una luz tan peculiar que capturan la atención no solo de les conocedores, sino también de aquelles que apenas rozan el universo en el que resplandecen. Marina, finalista de la segunda temporada de Drag Race España, es una de estas estrellas, cuyo viaje desde los primeros destellos de fascinación por tacones y pelucas en su infancia, hasta convertirse en una fuerza indomable en el mundo del drag, nos invita a una odisea de autodescubrimiento, expresión y arte sin fronteras.

In the vibrant spectrum of contemporary art's grays, certain stars shine with such a peculiar light that they capture the attention not only of connoisseurs but also of those who barely brush against the universe in which they shine. Marina, a finalist from the second season of Drag Race España, is one of these stars, whose journey from the first flashes of fascination with heels and wigs in her childhood to becoming an indomitable force in the world of drag invites us on an odyssey of self-discovery, expression, and boundless art.

The last several years have been, for lack of character allowance, fuckedt.

Yet with all of the devastation, isolation, death, grief, and information overload we’ve experienced as a single humanity and as queer humans – there have been several linings of silver, gold, and even glamor.

Our eyes are open. Our hearts are gaping. We are learning to hold grief and joy together simultaneously.

These collective experiences have allowed for healing, growth, and increased self-awareness. It has allowed for action from those who were previously immobilized. It has allowed for little and big moments of joy, during long periods of despair. It has shaped how, and for what, we celebrate. Our collective and individual experiences are embedded in the art we create.

Lupe Guerra García dances between two worlds: the vibrant Panama that saw her birth and the eclectic Barcelona that embraces her as one its own. A fashion designer, dancer, and multidisciplinary artist, Lupe weaves her story with threads of identity, challenges —overcome and yet to be faced— and an unwavering commitment to her Panamanian roots and culture. 

DENIM FANTASY snapped by Pedro Quintana. Check out the gallery of images.

Arpía, fashion brand from the minds of Nicolás + Felipa, debuted their collexion at IAMICONIQA.

The scene at IAMICONIQA 5 captured by Joyce V. Newrzella. Check out the gallery of images here.

Performance art photos from IAMICONIQA 5 captured by Pedro Quintana. Full the gallery of image and download photos from the post.

Symone was that girl! Check out a select gallery of meet and greet photos below, snapped by Pedro Quintana, and click on the link below the gallery to download the full album of photos.

IAMICONIQA 5.0 started with the Lewk Contest and to say people came prepared would be an understatement. The 50 slots for the runway contest were filled instantly.. There was more denim than in a Levi's warehouse and some of the looks made 2000's Britney and Justin VMA appearance seem really basic in comparison. It was all yasss, slay and serve, including an unexpected, touching moment: one of the event’s artists’ dad, visiting their child from abroad, took on the runway in a strut of love and support for his child, stealing everyone’s heart, step by fabulous step. Come through, modern parenting!

Denim LEWKS at IAMICONIQA 5 was the category and everyone served. Check some of Frannie’s Fotos at IAMICONIQA 5 and download the full album below.

I still remember the first time I met Pitita, casually introduced to me at Candy Darling Bar by some of my closest friends in Barcelona. I thought, "it must be because of the crowd/my friends," but no, it's actually because Pitita is a friend of Barcelona: having won Drag Race España does not seem to have changed her out-of-drag social, daily life, and I love that. Now I see her everywhere, and though this might be the perfect spot for a read, this library has only one thing to say: it doesn’t get old. What I aim to bring you today, however, is the side or sides of Pitita that you will not get to see when hanging out with her at your local bar on any given night.

For Symone, the defining moment came under the bright lights of her first stage performance in drag, where she felt a profound sense of belonging. She recounted: "Up until that point, I’d always felt like I wasn’t good at anything or doing something wrong, but when those lights came on and the music started… baby, it all finally made sense for ya girl." This initial spark not only ignited her passion for drag, but also marked the beginning of her journey to self-realization and empowerment.