Words by Grabari, via MisfitLens Creative Agency
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!
This is something that amazes me every time at IAMICONIQA - the sense of unity and support among attendees. It's your first time on the runway? Feeling shy? Your friends made you do it? The public will lift you up and you’ll be lecturing the audience about stage confidence next Thursday on TedTalk. But don’t fool yourself, it’s a contest after all and the competition was fierce. First timers, experienced queens and emerging new talents - all faced each other in the ultimate runway show off. But there could be only one winner and the crown went to Miss Dannylicious for their all-denim fantasy - think of a sexy, a bit unhinged lady of the manor on her way to her first Royal Ascot with a scene-stealing hat. You get the picture.
Fashion junkies were in for another treat soon. In an IAMICONIQA first, two fashion shows took place in the same night. Designers from the design houses Yoten and Arpia presented their collections with a diverse set of models.
Styled by Fausto, Yōten filled the stage with colors, never not groundbreaking florals for spring and silhouettes for all body types that screamed joy and fun.
Arpia on the other hand paid a tribute to queer punk culture with some old good leather and fishnets, sprinkled with very Gaga-esque, latex Medusa extravaganza.
Runway shows were strategically sandwiched between two sets of performances by the IAMICONIQA 5.0’s headliners - equally, pardon the pun, iconic The Symone and Pitita. Not one but two Drag's Race winners in one night? When they tell you, it's the hottest ticket in town, even the Vanity Fair lie detector wouldn’t bat an eye. Both came prepared and dressed to the nines, making sure that nobody even thought of contesting their well earned titles. When The Symone decided to jump off the stage after taking a shot of tequila and dance her way through the audience everyone went absolutely feral and lit up the dance floor so hard that even the best wigs were in danger. It was refreshing to see a drag star come not only to give a performance but to have fun too.
It would be an absolute disservice not to mention other performers or to only highlight a few. Romich, La Bala, Twins Leon, Stef, Calo, Chris, Olivia Lascivia, Bellini Boy, Yazmina Gasolina, Lupe, Kika Super Puta, Jayce and Ezekiel - each provided an unique take on a queer performance, whether it was more in the vein of classic drag queen formula, art piece, comedy-leaning sketch or musical presentation. It's even somehow foolish to try to describe it with existing definitions because you can be sure that if queers put their hands on something, a complete redefinition will happen. So much talent, soul, and fearlessness in one room make it almost exhausting to watch - and that's a compliment.
The queer movement is all about resistance and fighting with injustice so there should be no surprise that during the party, Palestine flags were shown and Free Palestine shouted loud and clear.
"We need to remember and know that not everywhere is like this in the world. We have community members and human beings living in danger every day for being themselves. And here we are looking like THIS with no problem. What we need to do is remember to not stop fighting. Just because you have rights today, doesn't mean you're gonna have them tomorrow" - Barry Brandon aka The Queer Indigo, IAMICONIQA’s hostess of the mostest, reminded the crowd during their final speech.
Queer warmth filled the stage, in a show that felt, to me, like the love of your chosen family and it’s one of those family gatherings that you can’t wait to be a part of again. Until the next one!
No Comments.