Walk, walk, fashion baby! Here’s the hottest looks from London’s first-ever all-trans fashion show
Backstage at the all-trans fashion show (Henri T Art)
London’s first-ever all-trans fashion show took place at City Hall and the models were serving trans and non-binary finery.
Presented by singer, performer and trans activist Mzz Kimberley who founded the show, LIFE was the first of its kind, with every person taking up space – models, hosts, and performers – identifying as trans and/or non-binary.
“This event was true diversity empowering all trans people of different ethnicities and abilities,” said Mzz Kimberley.
“I want to set an example of how the LGBTQI+ community should really look. It’s important to bring every part of our community together to celebrate. We need to get to know each other better.”
Self-described “hairy brown transgender Muslim” Sabah Choudrey hosted the event, which was set up to raise awareness of CliniQ, a wellbeing and sexual health service for trans people, their partners and friends.
The models included trans author Juno Dawson, Jamie Windust, who has campaigned for a non-binary option on passports, black trans filmmaker Campbell X and visually impaired drag queen Ebony Rose Dark.
Here’s the hottest looks from the runway.
Trans models Jess Rose, Danielle Shirley and Morgan M Page (Henri T Art)
“This is needed within the community, and just to raise awareness – I hope this becomes a regular occurrence,” trans model Kenny Jones told PinkNews.
“I mean, as a trans model as well, to see so many non-binary and trans folks literally just running the runway show, and just living their best lives, is amazing!”
Intersex and trans model Roshaante poses in ski wear (Henri T Art)
“It’s different to the usual modelling – I’m used to just cisgender models. I love it!” intersex and trans model Roshaante told PinkNews.
Trans fashion designer Carmen Liu, who founded a lingerie line for trans people, told PinkNews: “I think it’s incredibly important that we do raise awareness for the trans community and non-binary people.
“We’re a long way from where we need to be for acceptance of everyone, so that is why I believe tonight is so important for us.”
Transgender author Juno Dawson models bridal wear (Henri T Art)
“The environment here is just so warm and so lovely,” non-binary activist Jamie Windust told PinkNews.
“It’s not just about the fashion, it’s about the collective community.”
Trans model Kamari Romeo (Henri T Art)
Transgender model Jess Rosa modelled sports wear for LIFE. She told PinkNews: “I really wanted to take part because I think it’s really important to bring queer voices forward, and especially trans voices, because we don’t have enough recognition in the world.”
Trans author Juno Dawson agreed: “With so much negativity in the press, I think it’s important we do something that celebrates trans and non-binary lives.”
Visually impaired drag queen Ebony Rose Dark (Henri T Art)
Models on LIFE runway were dressed by stylist Tamar Wilde, using pieces sourced by Wandsworth Oasis.
Founded in 1989, Wandsworth Oasis provides support and challenges stigma towards those living with HIV.
Over the past decade it has given more than £600,000 in grants to HIV-related projects, using revenue generated by its 11 south London charity shops and fundraised events.
Victoria Gigante and Tyler Luke (Henri T Art)
Supported by Pride in London with media support from PinkNews, the LIFE fashion show on Friday, September 13, raised awareness of trans support service CliniQ.
CliniQ aims to enhance trans people’s physical and mental health, respecting their differing lifestyles, ways of presenting and chosen pronouns.
Non-binary activist Owl gets ready backstage (Henri T Art)
Founded in 2012, it is staffed by trans and cisgender health and well-being professionals and first opened its doors at the groundbreaking 56 Dean Street clinic in London’s Soho, before moving to King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, south London.
