Pride in Style: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Icons

Pride month is a celebration of love, identity and the ongoing fight for equality. At Designer Exchange we’re celebrating pride by looking at the powerful role that fashion plays within the LGBTQIA+ community, throughout history and today. Fashion has always been linked to the LGBTQIA+ movement, from the bold statements in the Stonewall Riots to the mass popularity of the 1990’s punk trend, clothing has always been a powerful tool for challenging societal norms and embracing one’s true self. Fashion is so much more than ‘just clothing’ - it’s a statement of individuality. This pride month we pay homage to the people who have made a mark on the fashion world, flaunting their style and showcasing the intersection of fashion and pride.

The luxury fashion industry is bursting with LGBTQIA+ icons who have become leaders in the industry, becoming household names and inspiring fashion trends on a global scale. Designers including Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen have not only created countless stunning collections, but have also openly embraced their identities paving the way for future generations. The late Alexander McQueen was extremely open about his identity as a gay man and how it inspired his work. He was captivated by the gay scene in London and used this as a focus for many of his unorthodox collections. His designs were not only inspired by the LGBTQIA+ community, but he also worked with many celebrities who are great advocates for the cause, one of the most iconic being Lady Gaga. One of his most well known pieces were the ‘Armadillo Boots’, which were donned by Gaga in her Bad Romance music video and for many of her out-of-the-box red carpet looks.

There are countless fashion moments that have defined LGBTQIA+ culture and influenced mainstream fashion - many of which come from celebrities’ red carpet looks. In recent years Billy Porter has become known for his incredible red carpet outfits that challenge traditional gender norms and he has been applauded for his refusal to blend in. One of his most iconic looks was without-a-doubt his tuxedo gown at the 2019 Oscars ceremony. The custom design by Christian Siriano included a structured suit jacket over a voluminous velvet gown, taking the world by storm. It challenged the rigid Hollywood dress code and made space for individuality in all the right ways and he has continued to do so in all his red carpet looks. Billy Porter’s bold glamour is just one example of how LGBTQIA+ individuals are reshaping fashion.

Image Credit: Getty Images

The LGBTQIA+ community has used fashion to create visibility, foster a sense of community and push the boundaries, which is exactly what we’re celebrating here at Designer Exchange not only this month but all year round. Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of LGBTQIA+ fashion icons and the vibrant culture they continue to inspire.