Queer trans fashion show gave me life this Pride

Was it perfect? Not exactly. But a fashion show at The Academy in Castro delivered way more than what I often see in San Francisco.

The second-annual QT Fashion Show served many genderfluid, nonbinary, and androgynous looks, which I love for our local LGBTQ+ community. More importantly though, I was absolutely floored by several pieces that walked the runway on June 21. We saw several collections, a Buffy-esque drag performance and one jaw-dropping vogue number that I personally wanted to open the show. Oh, and Mayor London Breed made an appearance.

Among the designers was Paul Gallo, who I’m biased in favor of as a teacher I met in a Chinatown draping class four years ago. He announced at the beginning of his show that all his garments were upcycled; No new fabrics purchased. Paul can work an embellishment, from frayed denim, safety pins, sequin patches and nana’s jewelry. But what really stood out was Paul’s knowledge of body, fit, and combining fabrics.

Then a San Francisco designer Gia brought a lot of high-waisted realness. My favorite of course was the finale piece: A white sparkle beaded number with barely anything there, serving straight-up Mx Queer America 2024. I told Gia after the show that seldom do I feel intimidated by another local designer — and I was glad to have seen someone to challenge and inspire me.

I loved many of the looks and serves; Any good queer fashion show should have drag elements and screaming audience members, if not dollar tips being thrown on the runway. So the models with insanely long nails, high heels and deathdrops definitely held my attention.

The models moved a bit slowly and some other pacing issues could have been better. This show happens in one of The Academy’s adjacent spaces that reminds me of a stripped-down art gallery, and in that way it’s pretty good for an altilier-style show. I think next time though they should send two models down that runway and make sure everyone has their music setlist in order long before the show begins.

I know it’s already annual but let’s keep this going, Academy. The San Francisco fashion world could definitely use more spice, and it’s great to see it from the local queer community during Pride month. Or anytime, really.

Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.

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