On February 2, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM, the queer style multi-network platform Qwear will present their third apparel collection at Boston University Art Galleries for an opening night performance of the 808 Gallery exhibition, Forms & Alterations on international queer fashion designers.
Titled “Legendary Children,” The House of Qwear’s collection will expose the historical limits of gender in mainstream spaces. As a tribute to the House Ballroom Scene, Qwear will explore what queer fashion means against the backdrop of the building’s history as a 1930’s Cadillac Showroom — an urbanized testament to historical gender stereotypes of mainstream consumerism.
The opening night features the world premiere of Qwear’s third apparel collection by Fashion Designer Rupi, whose pieces are drawn from the individual specifications of each performer. This unique approach to fashion apparel design, where the models are the designers, gives the audience a chance to be guided by authentic queer experiences while being immersed in the history of the House Ballroom Scene and confronted with the gender stereotypes of the buildings original use as a 1930’s Cadillac Showroom.
This project is in collaboration with Y2Y, a student-run overnight shelter in Harvard Square, MA, which employs a youth-to-youth model to provide a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness.
This is more than just a fashion show. It is a revolutionary statement that models deserve autonomy over their bodies and presentations.
“The fashion industry is literally encouraging our youth to starve themselves. By working with each model to design outfits for them, we are sending a message that things don’t have to be this way. On February 2, we are showing the world that all bodies and gender presentations are beautiful and worthy of love. We are setting a precedent for other designers to think critically about what message they are sending to the world.
If you want to invest in a world where all bodies are celebrated in fashion and media, please support our show by either donating at the link below, sharing this page, or both! Together, we can shape the world we want to live in. We are raising funds for materials, necessities that the models may need, and truck rental to transport our installation to and from BU, and travel for our staff coming from other cities.” – Qwear
You can donate here to support the show. The event will be livestreamed on Qwear’s Facebook page if you cannot attend in person.
*Feature image by Jaypix