Gender Free and Fabulous: Backstage at dapperQ’s Dress Code with Corey Kempster, Jari Jones, and Devin-Norelle
This year’s dapperQ “Dress Code” NYFW show at the Brooklyn Museum was a good season for new and familiar designers. The show featured collections from THUY Custom Clothier, A/C Space, Audio Helkuik, Kris Harring Apparel Group, SALT, Stuzo clothing, Jag & Co, TomboyX, Squirrel Vs. Coyote, The Phluid Project, and more. Models Jari Jones and Corey Kempster closed out the show with a steamy kiss, while show producer Anita Dolce Vita raised her fist in the air in celebration of Queer Love.
Show Producer Anita Dolce Vita while Corey Kempster and Jari Jones kiss in the background. Photo cred: Kim Geronimo
THUY Custom Clothier’s tailoring was just SHARP. Clean lines and fabrics that felt sophisticated and well thought out. The collection felt classic and fresh at the same time.
I loved the The Phluid Project’s ready to wear looks because they had a sense of comfortability to them. The colorways and denim were reminiscent of the 90s. The gender free designs were very nostalgic.
Kris Harring was my favorite collection of the show. The line was just draped beautifully and made every model look high fashion. The clothing could work on a variety of sizes and gender expressions. Overall, the fashion felt sophisticated with strong elements of the late 90’s early 2000’s.
Photo Gallery by Marquis Facey
This year I went backstage to interview some prominent models making change in the community.
Corey Kempster
Qwear: Tell us about yourself
Corey Kempster: I am a case manager. I work non-profit, and I do projects of trans visibility and love.
Q: Who are you walking for tonight?
CK: I’m walking for Audio Helkuik. Phenomenal designer. This is my second year walking for them and we’re giving you a queer scot aesthetic.
Q: When you think of the word “Qwear” what three words come to mind?
CK: Freedom, Self Actualization, and community.
Q: Are you excited for the show tonight? Been practicing that walk?
CK: Not really! I’m just giving you the strut that I give every day!
Q: It’s fierce!
CK: And you are GAGGED
Jari Jones
Qwear: Tell us your name and where you’re from
Jari Jones: My name is Jari Jones from Brooklyn, NY.
Q: WHat do you do?
JJ: I am a Hyphenated Hoe! A model, actress, producer, writer, photographer. I do it all, gotta do it all.
Q: Great! Who are you walking for tonight?
JJ: Today I’m walking for Audio Helkuik. It’s my second year in a row! Amazing designer, f**cking brilliant. Always has great themes so I decided to walk again this year.
Q: When you think of the word “Qwear,” what three words come to mind?
JJ: Unapologetic, Black, and Fierce.
Devin-Norelle
Qwear: Tell us your name and where you’re from
Devin-Norelle: My name is Devin-Norelle, from Harlem, NY
Q: What do you do?
DN: I am columnist writer for Teen Vogue and Them, and also a Trans Advocate.
Q Who are you walking for tonight?
DN: I am walking for Angie Chuang’s line The A/C Space. Very excited.
Q: Tell us about some of the looks if you can
DN: I actually haven’t seen any [of the rest] of them.
Q: GAG. Pop n Go
DN: What I know is that It’s supposed to be kinda based on Cosplay so I’m excited to see what that’s gonna be, because I know I was supposed to get my hair cornrowed to put on a wig, and I’ve never worn a wig, so this is a first today.
Q: Stepping Out
DN: And my mom is coming too and I’m like “I don’t think you’re gonna recognize me cause im putting on a wig.”
Q: Just a little exotic, that’s all that is.
DN: I’m very excited to see what that’s gonna look like.
Q: Last question. When you think of the word “Qwear”, what comes to mind?
DN: Freedom, because I feel like queerness is a freedom of expression or a political way of thinking, or a free political way of thinking; But I think it can also just be authenticity as well. That’s how I’m feeling about it right now.
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