The DapperQ New York Fashion Week 2018 Show Is Breaking Barriers

Inside the biggest queer runway show at NYFW.

September 14, 2018

Image may contain Skin Human Person Clothing Apparel Fashion and Majlinda Kelmendi

On its 5th-year anniversary, dapperQ continued its reign as the largest New York Fashion Week showcase of queer designers, proving that LGBTQ fashion is here to stay. And it also has the distinction of being one of the most inclusive fashion shows this Spring 2019 season. For this season's show titled Dress Code, the dapperQ team cast people of all different races, genders, sexualities, and body types, breaking fashion barriers and showing the absurdity of narrow standards of beauty. I had the pleasure to both witness and participate in the evening's events. Check out designs from SALT, Stuzo, A/C Space, Kris Harring, and other brands that slayed the runway, below.

Doreen Pierre
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Models hit the runway in under garments and sportswear for all body types — and bold accessories to match. TomboyX and Squirrel Vs Coyote
Doreen Pierre
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TomboyX collaborated with Squirrel Vs Coyote this season to produce modern intimates earmarked for the queer community. TomboyX and Squirrel Vs Coyote

Doreen Pierre
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If Janet Jackson performed Rhythm Nation in gender-neutral underwear, she'd wear this. The Phluid Project
Debbie-Jean Lemonte
4/34
This bold garment had one overlying message: Equality isn't equality if it isn't for everyone. The Phluid Project

Emily Chan
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The Phuture is Phluid, just like this cool activewear suggests. The Phluid Project
Emily Chan
6/34
The dapperQ show was a study in inclusivity as people of all sizes, races and abilities were represented on the runway. The Phluid Project

Doreen Pierre
7/34
Say Cheese. This spiked vest and skirt ensemble is perfect for any outing where you want to command attention. The Phluid Project
Debbie-Jean Lemonte
8/34
Bringing back overalls, but with a twist. The Phluid Project

Emily Chan
9/34
Turning heads in a stylish three-piece suit paired imaginatively with sneakers. Jag & Co.
Emily Chan
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Radiating pure elegance in a ball-gown with a colorful, printed bodice. Jag & Co.

Emily Chan
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Models of all ages hit the runway, including a younger fashion enthusiast in a mixed print blazer, biker shorts and Nike sneakers. Jag & Co.
Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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In a vest, bowtie, plaid shorts and argyle socks, there's nothing left to do but Strut! Jag & Co.

Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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Bold suit. Big 'fro. Big Woman Energy. Jag & Co.
Emily Chan
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Proving Wakanda is forever in a billowing tulle skirt, a bright patterned top and towering hat. Jag & Co.

Emily Chan
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Lights. Camera. Pose. What's not to love about this collared shirt dress, electric red corset belt, and killer attitude? Audio Helkuik
Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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Leather leg accessories are a subtle yet unforgettable addition to an outfit. Audio Helkuik

Debbie Jean
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Layer a metallic bomber over a fit-and-flare dress for a fresh, playful look. Audio Helkuik
Debbie Jean
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Reimagined Cosplay in a striped, short-sleeve jacket and neck collar. A/C Space

Kim Geronimo
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A reminder that people of color also enjoy cosplay, including myself. It was exhilarating to walk the dapperQ runway for the 4th time. A/C Space
Kim Geronimo
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Give me Dragonball Z but make it couture. We love the printed top, the matching patcwork pants, and bright high heels. A/C Space

Kim Geronimo
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When Super Saiyan Blue meets fashion: the mixed-print and two-tone denim trends were all over the Spring 2019 runways. A/C Space
Kim Geronimo
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Fabrics repurposed for gender-neutral fashion — and note to self: metallic is here to stay. A/C Space

Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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B. Hawk Snipes serves face while modeling an open shirt dress and towering high heels. Kris Harring
Tadzio
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Sir Knight slays this genderless ensemble, designed for more formal affairs. Kris Harring

Emily Chan
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Skirts are for all genders, and this look is proof. Kris Harring
Emily Chan
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Streetwear that's custom-designed with an artistic flair. Stuzo

Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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Black Magic: this brand is owned and designed by two queer black women. Stuzo
Emily Chan
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Royalty in our DNA: this cape jacket — with matching pants and headwear — is the definition of regal. Stuzo

Emily Chan
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Uplifting the ubiquitous power suit with a fierce red color. THÚY Custom Clothier
Debbie-Jean Lemonte
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Dripping in Finesse in tailored, metallic suiting. THÚY Custom Clothier

Emily Chan
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Concrete Rose: this floral mask and plunging jumpsuit look was the talk of the runway. SALT
Emily Chan
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And like a flower, we blossom. A floral face mask looked all the more powerful juxtaposed with structured separates. SALT

Emily Chan
33/34
Salt's innovative pairing of neutral colors and floral headdresses wowed the audience. SALT
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Devin-Norelle (ze/zim) is a nonbinary model, writer, and trans advocate. Ze has written for Teen Vogue, Allure, GQ, them., & Out magazine. Ze recently walked in the New York Fashion Week show for Chromat and has modeled for Bonobos' Pride 50 Year Anniversary Campaign. ... Read More

KeywordsDapperQ new york fashion week lgbtq