Images by: Grace Chu
DapperQ opened New York Fashion Week last night with their 8th annual show at the Brooklyn Museum. DapperQ is currently the largest LGBTQIA+ fashion show in the world, with a mission to redefine the fashion space by promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and gender neutrality. The 2023 show showcased eight designers, each breaking boundaries in their own way.
HESTA
HESTA is a luxury clothing brand made by queer people, for queer people. Designer Hester Sunshine is driven by inclusivity, making clothes that celebrate every type of body. When you wear a HESTA piece, you wear something that looks and feels incredible.
“To me, this is one of the most inclusive and special fashion events of the year, and I love that it’s kicking off the week,” said Hester.
DANITHREADS
DANITHREADS is a handmade intimate wear brand that celebrates individuality and confidence. Dani is heavily inspired by her models and clients, as all of her pieces are one-of-a-kind and tailored specifically to the wearer. As a member of the queer community, showcasing her work at DapperQ means everything.
“Being able to represent a sensual, sexy fun side of people is like, my dream,” Dani said.
Guvanch NYC
Guvanch is a brand that encourages women to take up space wherever they are and not take no for an answer. Designer Guvanch Agajumayev uses intricate textures to create a sense of mystery, and his darker and moodier pieces are directly inspired by his own experiences with mental health issues, depression in particular.
“I just want people who come today to leave with a lot of emotions, not understanding. Loving, hating, without saying it’s pretty – that’s my least favorite word.” The designer mused.
Buckethead Productions
Buckethead Productions is a handmade crochet clothing line; designer Jake Leone makes all the pieces himself. Inspired by Leone’s father who works in railroad construction, this collection combines crochet and hardware pieces to create something unlike any other.
“Intertwining the fiber and the hardware creates these garments that exist in their own world,” Jake boasted.
Kirrin Finch
Kirrin Finch specializes in shirts and suits that are both size and gender inclusive. While the brand is inspired by menswear cuts and details, their pieces are truly made for everyone. With a Kirrin Finch piece, someone can express their true identity and look dapper doing it.
“It’s so exciting to see someone put on that first look, and finally you can see it literally physically in relief in their body!” exclaimed co-designer and co-founder Kelly Moffat.
SUNSUN
SUNSUN is all about sustainability – its products are handmade, sweatshop-free, and locally sourced. Many of their pieces bear the phrase “Inspire people to create a better world,” which SUNSUN certainly accomplishes with their eco-friendly practices.
“It’s about reusing, reducing, recycling, and being more responsible in the fashion industry, and looking really cool,” according to designer Francesca Nocera.
LLESSUR NYC
Designer Russell Peguero has been working in fashion since 2009, but in 2020 he fully committed to creating pieces for his own fashion brand, LLESSUR NYC. His mission centers on redefining the spectrum of gender through non-binary, inclusive, and sustainable clothing.
Soid Studios
SoidStudios is a daring mix of punk, Brooklyn, and Chicano culture, a perfect combination of designer Jose Gonzalez’s background. As a queer designer, all of Gonzalez’s designs aim to uplift the community in spite of hardships.
“Everything I speak for is part of the community. All my inspirations are coming to send a positive message to society about the queer community,” Jose explained.
To get more info on this incredible show, visit DapperQ to learn about these (and many other) designers, their work within the community, and their plans for the future.
Featured Image by Grace Chu
