Ice and shine

Hosted by Sasha Velour, Opening Ceremony added some extra sparkle to NYFW with their glam and diverse show that celebrated the LGBT community.

It’s called a fashion show. So it’ll better be a show – this is what Carol and Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony must have thought when there were planning and putting together their Spring/Summer 19 fest.

With Drag Queen Sasha Velours as a host, one can already feel the sparkle that was about to shine that night. Even more glitz was brought by whole cast that included many of TUSH’s favorites from the queer scene – like Miss Fame, Isse Hungry and Ugly Worldwide.

But this luster has not been a blinding one, it has highlighted what shines brighter than fancy clothes (although those were cool, too): diversity, individuality – and fun.

Opening Ceremony translated a feeling – and movement – into an event rather than presenting only “trendy” pieces, they showcased inspiration and entertainment and put character before a corporate message.
Presenting their remarkable, edgy collection at a nightclub, with a crowd and cast you’d love to invite to a big bash, has been one part to the party puzzle and suited the drapey ensembles and funky 90s prints perfectly.

Going edgy and unconventional with make-up was another one: Thomas De Kluyver created individual, club kid worthy looks inspired by the LGBT community for each of the 20 models. A nude look? Well, not for the face. Fuchsia eyeshadow was blended up to the brows, skin was covered in rhinestones or angelic paintings. There was a glamorous and positive touch to every creation, obviously more disco New York drag night than dark Berlin cellar after hour.

The performance by Christina Aguilera, along with the full drag cast, ended the fashion presentation, but this wasn’t the final: Performers, models and guests mixed and partied to catchy beats while licking glittery ice cream.

The show, so it seemed, never stopped.