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Ham Darly
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Ham Darly poses in his unique and lovely design.
Christine DeLaRosa, aka Miz Chris, proudly announces the launch of
Queer Fashion Week in Oakland. The glittering extravaganza, running from April 16-19, promises to be an annual event, Miz Chris tells
SF Weekly.
"The mission of Queer Fashion Week is to bring together queer designers who have been in the business professionally and queer designers who are just starting out, to network and learn from one another," Miz Chris said.
That mission, Chris added, applies to models as well.
"We have models that have walked New York City Fashion Week to models where this will be the first time they set foot on a runway," Chris explained.
Miz Chris, who does not work in the fashion industry, is a well known and respected event promoter. "I want to showcase the incredible talent that exists in our LGBTQ community with our community and allies," she said.
Of course the obvious question is: Do we need a Queer Fashion Week when so many in the mainstream fashion world are already openly gay?
"I think the question provides the answer," Chris said. "There may be many gay male models and designers, not many who are out, but there are also many designers and models that belong to the L, B, T and Q in the LGBTQ, and that's why Queer Fashion Week is needed."
Miz Chris said that she wants to showcase the entire spectrum of the community.
Twenty-one-year-old Ham Darly, a native of Uganda who now lives in the Bay Area, concurred. Darly's designs will be on display during Queer Fashion Week.
"We need more queer fashion shows so that the top designers can see us and help us to promote our talents," Darly said. "The world needs to know how talented queer people are and how useful we are to this world."
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Darly also said that Queer Fashion Week is a platform that can promote equality. "I think it will change our image with the homophobic communities," he said. "They will stop focusing on our sexuality and start thinking about how talented we are, how we can develop ourselves, and how we can contribute to the economy."
The fledgling designer, who says that fashion is part of his life, cites Nicki Minaj as his primary influence. "She inspires me with her new style every time I see her," he explained. "She is very determined, unique from others, and she keeps me going. When I see her, I feel so happy because I know I'm going to see a new design."
Minaj, according to Darly, "knows how to get good colors. She takes her time in front of the mirror and comes out looking smart and stylish."
Miz Chris invites the fashion conscious not only to attend, but to get involved. "I think what sets us apart is our ability to showcase multiple communities, races, ages and body sizes," she said. "This is not your regular fashion show."
Volunteer spots for hair and make-up people are still open, Miz Chris tells us.
