Avant Garb: Fierce Fearless Fashion
A few weeks ago I attended the METRO/SEXUAL Drag Show hosted by Baby at Metro Gallery in Station North. And like most drag shows, some of the style choices were soooo extra, and I mean that in the best possible way. Whenever you’re in a room surrounded by uber confident drag queens, it’s easy to blend into the background. The show had no shortage of huge wigs, sparkling gaudy jewelry, and fabulousness. And while the drag queens themselves were bringing it, so were the patrons. There were plenty of interesting looks to go around. And I found myself most interested in the risk-takers.
Josh Powell immediately caught my attention with his androgynous, modern-grunge look. Josh is definitely taking fashion risks. Between the jarring pops of red and the contrasting colors on his kilt, I had to know more
Here’s what Josh had to say about his style:
“I’m obsessed with shopping; always on the hunt for pieces with different shapes/lengths/details that I haven’t seen before! My motto is ‘Fashion has no gender!’ & I love that designers are embracing androgyny. Clothes are a way to visually express myself, so you know exactly what my personality is without me even speaking. ‘The world is a stage’ are – seriously – words I live by daily as a hair stylist. Because if you’re coming to me for the latest hair trends, I’d better look the part too!”
One of the most stand-out pieces of his look is – hands down – his chest harness that he got from SUGAR. This piece is really interesting, powerful, and bold. His kilt style skirt is from TOPSHOP – also a piece that grabs your attention with its contrasting patterns and colors. And Josh made sure his ensemble was cohesive head to toe – taking the extra step to match his eye shadow with the red in his skirt. His blazer, from Zara, looks sleek and sophisticated, and his vintage beret makes his look feel classic and European.
I admire how Josh has managed to include so much contrast into his look. The hard, masculine feel of the harness and the soft, flowy feel of the kilt work together to make a look that leaves you wanting to know more about Josh and his style choices. In addition, he has full coverage on the bottom and almost none on the top, baring his chest and showing off his tats. After all, it’s not every day you see someone with a lot chest tattoos rocking a skirt.
His Steve Madden Chelsea boots are so 80s and add a rocker-edge to his look. This made it feel even more dynamic, modern, and artistic. Overall, the androgynous and highly contrasting feel of his look leaves you feeling curious, intrigued, and mesmerized. And good for Josh for being able to pull off such a daring look, while still making it look effortless and cool.
Josh wasn’t the only fashionable show-stopper I ran into that night. I also met Sally Trainor. This gal was also taking some serious style risks. This chick looked badass! As soon as I saw her, I simultaneously wanted to meet her ,but also felt intimidated to approach her. She just looked THAT cool. Luckily, she couldn’t have been nicer!
Her edgy-rocker-80s look feels punk and sexy. Sally said her ensemble is a mix of borrowed items from friends, vintage, and versatile everyday pieces. Her mesh bodysuit and black shorts are from Charlotte Russe. And her black ripped tights add to the tough girl, kick-ass feel of the look. Those shorts are short and definitely add to the sex appeal of her look. But overall, her outfit feels powerful. Her style choices give you the impression that she’s artistic, creative, and not concerned with blending in. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but Sally’s look also feels so genuine. You can tell it’s her true style. She’s not over-doing it, or holding back. What you see is what you get. And in my opinion, her hair might be her greatest accessory.
Her chunky platform Jeffrey Campbell boots are sooo cool and stand out against her otherwise all black, sleek look. They’re rebellious, while simultaneously feeling feminine, and sexy. You notice them immediately, and they make her look feel even more punkish and 80s. You definitely don’t want to get kicked by a girl wearing tough spiked heels like these. Ouch.
While Sally’s look has a hard, tough feel to it, her beautiful antique rings add some softness and gentle colors to the mix. And of course I was extra intrigued by these once she told me they are vintage family heirlooms. Her earrings also feel extra feminine and bring out the silver highlighter she has around her dark black eye shadow. She said she got these from her local beauty supply store. Her intricate jewelry and hoop earrings add a very subtle hint of softness to her look, making her feel more approachable.
Sally said her harness was borrowed from a friend. This night definitely had a little bit of a BDSM feel to it with the various harnesses in the room. Sally’s was super interesting, draping across her chest, resembling a chained rib cage. And she did not hold back when turning up the hotness factor with her mesh, see through top. Her black “X” pasties are intriguing and definitely make you do a double take. Overall, Sally’s look feels fierce, sexy, powerful, and cool. All perfect for the occasion.
