Welcome back to Hi Femme!, dapperQ’s sibling visibility project celebrating the incredible contributions that stylish femmes make to queer fashion. This edition, we’re featuring Ivanka Dekoning, a fashion/Queer Femme Influencer, Saks Fifth Avenue’s Advanced Designer Buyer, podcastor, and LGBTQ+ activist.
dapperQ: Can you talk a bit about how you define queer femme style and what makes it transgressive?
Ivanka: I define queer femme as an aesthetic that expresses feminine principles while simultaneously embracing diverse sexual and gender non-binary identities. It’s transgressive as it removes style limitations. For the marginalized amongst the queer community, this style evokes bravery and confidence redefining social norms.
dapperQ: How would you describe your personal style?
Ivanka: I consider my style somewhat gender-bending. I enjoy wearing masculine trousers with sexy crop tops or heels and oversized, boxy blazers. Very modern, sophisticated with a touch of edge.
dapperQ: Who are your fashion icon(s)?
Ivanka: Victoria Beckham and Janelle Monae.
dapperQ: What item in your style arsenal can you not live without?
Ivanka: A black, over-sized boxy blazer. I own approximately five variations… and not including my fiancé’s!
Photos by Victoria Matthews. For more of Ivanka’s style, follow on Instagram @ivanka.dekoning