Photo credits sheismerkurial

Voir got to exclusively attend Grete Henriette’s debut show for London fashion Week, Elysium, last night and its safe to say that inclusivity holds high importance for the designer
along with their proud inspiration from the LGBTQIA+ community. As a brand this is
important to Voir as we stand for inclusive fashion regardless of race, size, shape or class and
were blown away by Henriette’s designs, so we’ve brought you all the insider information of
what went down at the show.
Famous faces were in attendance such as Jazzelle Zanaughtti, Lottie Moss, and Odette
Galbally, all wearing outfits Henriette would approve of. Henriette also has an extensive
portfolio of dressing big stars and our favourite celebrities including, Tyla for her Bose
collaboration, Sabrina Sato, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Paris Hilton, and Lil Nas X, alongside
handcrafting custom pieces for a collaboration between ROTATE Birger Christensen and
Pandora at Copenhagen Fashion Week last summer.

Set inside a church as an ode to her religious upbringing, it was clear that the models of all different shapes, sizes and backgrounds were channelling their inner goddesses with the way they walked slowly and gently around the circular runway. They were draped in Henriette’s signature style of metals and jewels stemming from her love of historical armour, accompanied by delicate music almost resembling wind chimes created by a live harp player.

Photo tabithamary_

Models were studded with chainmail looks in gold and silver or draped in mother of pearl and jewels of different colours, all shaped differently but harmoniously brought the collecAon together. Maxim Magnus walked the runway in a gorgeous chain mail piece draped over the front of their body with nails to match and showed off the look on the platform in the centre of the runway.

photo aethermagazine

Voir was obsessed by the jewels placed one by one along Nadiah Adu-Gyamfi’s spine, and many other models’, all created by the talented make-up artist Sophia Sinot to match each metal look. Henriette thought of everything down to smallest detail as models like Tabitha Corsin had long chains coming off of her nails for her runway debut. She was dressed in a maxi gold chainmail dress encrusted with mother of pearl and clear jewels covering only certain areas.

Photo itstayce

Voir cover star Tayce, closed the show, and blew us away as they walked in a chainmail head dress, sort of resembling a veil and going hand in hand with the religious elements of the runway, including Henriette’s addition of metal crosses on some of the looks. This was the pinnacle of the show as we saw gold metal cascading down Tayce’s back coated with red jewels and pearls, not forgetting the jewels stuck onto their torso to bring the look together.

photo loyolabilbao

As the show started to draw a close the audience watched the models gather around the centre of the runway, which was decorated with crystals, creating a mystical vibe. The models were gently dancing as Tayce stood centre stage on the platform like a celestial being, creating a magical ending to the show.

Voir must say that Grete Henriette created a masterpiece for London Fashion Week, and we can’t wait to see what this incredible designer will do next.

Words by Zlata Gavula

The post Voir Exclusive: Grete Henriette Dazzled The Runway With Her Debut Show At LFW appeared first on Voir Fashion.

To celebrate the more diverse world the community has given us, here are some of the most prolific LGBTQ+ creatives from across history whose works have opened doors, sparked discussions, and changed attitudes regarding LGBTQ+ issues and culture.

Cara Delevingne

After rising to fame throughout the 2010s, Cara has become one of the most well known faces of the fashion industry and has modelled for brands including Burberry, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Fendi and Stella McCartney, amongst others. Delevingne has long identified as bisexual, and pansexual, and in 2018 also came out as gender-fluid. Bisexual erasure has long been a common problem both out of and even within the LGBTQ+ community, so seeing a figure as prominent and successful as Cara proudly waving the flag for bisexuality has helped increase visibility and empower countless young bisexual and pansexual people across the world.

Elliot Page

One of the most prolific actors in the world right now, Elliot Page has been a prominent figure in the film industry since he was 10 years old and is known for films and TV series such as Pit Pony, Hard Candy, Juno, Inception, the X-Men franchise and The Umbrella Academy. On December 1^st 2020 Page came out as transgender after partially being prompted by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing anti-trans rhetoric and propaganda within politics and the media. Page would go on to appear on the cover of Time magazine in March/April 2021, becoming the first ever openly trans man to do so. He has also received numerous awards and nominations over the course of his career including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Emmy Awards.

Troye Sivan

After building up an audience on YouTube during the start of his career, Troye has gone on to become one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ musicians of the 21^st Century. Sivan began his career as a child actor in the late 2000s before he began creating vlogs on YouTube in 2012. He quickly grew a large, dedicated audience and on August 7^th 2013 came out as gay in a video uploaded to his channel which has since amassed 8.8 million views. Since then he has had a hugely successful music career releasing the acclaimed albums Blue Neighbourhood and Bloom, a multitude of Eps and the original song Revelation for the movie Boy Erased, in which Sivan also stars, which follows the son of Baptist parents as he is forced to undergo conversion therapy.

April Ashley

April Ashley was a model, actress and author who is notable for being the second ever Briton to undergo gender-affirming surgery all the way back in 1960. Unfortunately, only a year after undergoing her life changing operation, April was outed after a friend sold her story to one of the national papers at the time. Nevertheless, April didn’t let this betrayal destroy her career or her soul, continuing to have a long and successful life until her passing last December at the age of 86. April was awarded with many honours throughout her life including an MBE for services to transgender equality, a Lifetime Achievement honour at the European Diversity Awards and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Liverpool. An exhibition of her life titled April Ashley: Portrait of a Lady was also held at the Museum of Liverpool between September 2013 and March 2015.

Sir Ian McKellen

One of the country’s most acclaimed and beloved actors, Sir Ian McKellen has an astounding career spanning decades and ranging from Shakespearian theatre to blockbuster movies such as the Lord of the Rings franchise. Sir Ian came out as gay to the general public in 1988 and since then has served as an influential and aspirational figure to LGBTQ+ people the world over. Since coming out McKellen has been a huge activist for the community and was one of the co-founders of the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall in 1989. Since its founding Stonewall has gone on to become the largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in Europe and has contributed toward major advancements for LGBTQ+ people across the country including ending the ban on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military, equalizing the age of consent, extending adoption and IVF rights to same-sex couples, introducing civil partnerships and repealing Section 28, the law enacted in 1988 which prohibited “the promotion of homosexuality”.

Derek Jarman

Derek Jarman was a filmmaker who was at the forefront of British filmmaking during the 20^th Century. In addition to his filmmaking credentials he was also a stage designer, author and prominent gay rights activist, being a leading campaigner against Section 28 and also raising awareness of AIDS. He is perhaps most famous for his 1993 film Blue, about his own battle with AIDS with the title referring to the fact that Jarman had been rendered partially blind by the disease and could only see in shades of blue by the time of its production. Jarman would unfortunately pass away from AIDS related complications only months after the film’s release, but he leaves behind a legacy that has educated the population on the cruel nature of AIDS in a stunningly authentic way and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Jackie Kay

Jackie Kay is a Scottish poet, playwright and novelist whose work often combines the themes of sexuality and race as Kay draws from her own experiences growing up as a Black lesbian. One of her most famous works; Darling: New & Selected Poems touches on themes such as the bond between mother and son, losing your native tongue, meeting one’s birth mother for the first time and immigration and deportation. Kay is currently a Professor of Creative Writing at Newcastle University and in 2020 was awarded a CBE for Services to Literature.

Words By Andrew Coyle

_{Photo Credit: Samir Hussein}

The post The LGBTQ+ Creatives Who Have Changed The World appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The series that made history in the world of entertainment due to its LGBTQ+ diverse cast, representative topics and complex narrative has come to an end, with its last episode airing last night.

Ryan Murphy, producer and co-creator of the series alongside Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals, celebrated its end and international success with an emotional Instagram post in which he expressed the importance of the show in his life.

“Along with my children, this show is one of the things in my life I am the most proud of.”

Ryan Murphy

Since its first episode, Pose has made history, for the number of LGBTQ+ actors and actresses on the set. Never have there been so many transgender actresses on a small screen project. A change that can be highly accredited to Murphy.

But Pose did not make history exclusively through the balance of its serious and often dramatic plot and the glamorous aesthetic, Pose represented a contrast in the world of vogueing. It showed the highs and lows of a community by highlighting the discrepancy between its looks and discrimination.

But we’ll stop talking about the plot, for now, in case you haven’t seen it yet.

In honour of the end of this glamorous show we’ve collected our favourite looks over its duration. Ones that we believed marked not only the series storyline, but our appeal to it.

Series 1, Episode 1

Series 1, Episode 1

Series 2, Episode 1

 Series 2, Episode 2

Series 1, Episode 3

Series 2, Episode 3

Season 2, Episode 10

Words By Chiara Ferrari

The post The End Of Pose: A Celebration Of The Series appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It’s now June, and Pride month this year is full of new and exciting surprises in the fashion scene… the most unexpected drop is perhaps Balenciaga’s pride collection, especially considering how unwilling these fashion houses are to drop their aesthetics for the purpose of spreading a message. And Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga is certainly continuing to amaze us this year, even after the Gucci ‘hacking’ collaboration. It is always a sore point in fashion when it comes to being political, especially considering how much designs need to be simplified to get the message across. But Balenciaga took the message to heart this year and used this capsule collection to commit and direct awareness towards such an urgent social issue. 

Available in selected stores and online, items in this collection include baseball caps, shirts, hoodies, waistbands, underwear, sports bra, and more. Its wearability fits their selling point, with two unique designs (still very conforming to the issue) that we predict will be seen on nearly every influencer for this pride month. 

The first design comes in a varsity-style lettering that spells out “GAY PRIDE BALENCIAGA 2021”, with the word GAY emblazoned with a rainbow flag. Every look of the collection announces pride in a simple yet straightforward style. While some designs highlight the rainbow flag, others focus on the though-provoking lettering. A colorful rainbow can be seen around the waist of men and women’s underwear, and whilst it’s not the first brand to have embraced this design, Balenciaga always knows how to make their clothes irresistible. Other rainbow styles include socks, party bracelets, and fake fur shoulder strap coin purses. But if you want to opt for more low key staples from the collection, the metal brooches are very eccentric and the collection of colourful caps are to die for.

This collection not only actively celebrates this unprecedented pride month, but also largely supports the Trevor Project and its mission to end LGBTQ youth suicide. Balenciaga will donate 15% of the sales price from the Pride 2021 capsule collection to The Trevor Project. Founded in 1998, it is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, offering 24/7 intervention suite, advocating for the approval of pro-LGBTQ legislations and helping young LGBTQ people in crisis. Whilst this collection may not steal the show in terms of its designs, it is certainly always appreciated when brands speak out about these matters in such an unfiltered, loud, and direct way, and we’re here for it.

Words By Tommaso Donati

The post Beyond Fashion Values With Balenciaga: The GAY PRIDE 2021 Capsule Collection appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Christian Cowan X Lil Nas X Collaboration SS21: Lil Nas X, Jari Jones, Sean Bankhead, Violet Chachki images via Vijat Mohindra

Fresh from the New York Fashion Week, British designer Christian Cowan announced an unexpected collaboration with American rapper Lil Nas X for his Spring 2021 line.

NYFW 2020: Christian Cowan–Full Runway Show | NYFW | E! Red Carpet & Award Shows

The two have been close friends since the 2019 VMAs – where Cowan dressed the artist in a custom-made, western-inspired sequin silver suit – and after being in touch for the past year, they developed their new project together, virtually.

The unisex collection is a joint attempt to push queer representation in mainstream media as well as support Black LGBTQ+ youth: for instance, the funds raised through The Loveland Foundation will benefit Black queer youth in Atlanta, where the ‘Old Town Road’ singer is from. In a statement, Cowan said: ’Supporting the queer community is so important to me, but as a small brand, we don’t normally have the ability to donate a lump sum of money like this. Nas and I both saw the opportunity to do something incredible together, especially as personal fans of the work Rachel Cargle does with the Loveland Foundation, it felt like a natural partnership.’

The collection was revealed on the last day of NYFW with a short film which showcased the designs worn by familiar faces of the fashion industry as well as emerging personalities, exclusively selected by the pair: from Marc Jacobs, Heidi Klum, and Helena Christensen to Lil Nas X – of course – Ava Max, AJ Harris, Amanda Lepore, Aweng Chuol, Chella Man, Drebae, and Violet Chachki.

The line reflects the respective worlds of Cowan and Lil Nas X, which blend together to create a multitude of unisex pieces and fabrics (vinyl, satin, feathers, etc.). Inspired by rebellious youth, the Spring 2021 collection is reminiscent of the British punk movement of the ‘70s and features frisky patterns and materials such as polka dots, graffiti-like inscriptions, checks, glitters, and Swarovski crystals. Although there is a predominance of flashy colours – like yellow, pink, red, and purple – some silhouettes come in black, especially with long evening dresses.

‘What I love about this collection is not only are the clothes super sick and show-stopping, but I’m also really proud of what it represents and all the people that it will help,’ Lil Nas X said. ‘Atlanta is my hometown and the LGBTQ+ community is some of the most at risk, so I’m glad that we’ll be able to offer them some support.’

The collection is now available exclusively on FWRD.com with 100% of the proceeds going towards The Loveland Foundation.

Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Lil Nas X, Ava Max, and More Stun in a Photoshoot for Christian Cowan’s new collection appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate freedom of choice, self-acceptance, and of course, pride. What better thing could accompany celebrations other than music? Some songs hit different for queer people: those listened as curios teenagers and others played on repeat at the local bar were all about experimenting sexuality, daydreaming about true love or simply partying.

Now, these tracks have become international LGBTQ+ anthems present in the background of every Pride parade, praising diversity and representing some of the queer community’s struggles. This is a list of classic queer anthems to consider adding to your Pride playlist.

Born This Way – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

‘I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes’, sings Gaga in what can be considered the absolute ode to diversity and being yourself. Addressing both religion and social prejudices, this track encourages you to accept yourself for who you are and to be proud.

Firework – Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Everyone who listened to this song can identify in the lyrics. When the world is letting you down, just let your firework burst and light up the sky. ‘Baby you’re a firework, come on let your colours burst’, Katy sings. This track is an encouragement to be brave and show people ‘what you’re worth’.

You Need To Calm Down – Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

As one of the latest entry among these LGBTQ+ anthems, ‘You Need To Calm Down’ is a satirical, all-queer song poking fun at every hater of the rainbow community. ’Shade never made anybody less gay’, sings Taylor, celebrating Pride and diversity with her friends in the equally queer music video.

Break Free – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd

Ariana Grande

If you have attended any Pride parade, you will have surely heard this song playing non-stop. ‘Break Free’ is all about coming out of your shell and be you are. ‘Tried to hide it, fake it, I can’t pretend anymore’, Ariana sings as the beat breaks down in a frenetic rhythm.

Toxic – Britney Spears

Britney Spears

The early 2000s gifted us with this iconic pop anthem that now holds a heartfelt spot among queer music. What makes this song so appealing to the LGBTQ+ community are the sultry and sexy vibes coming from each section of the track. ‘With a taste of your lips I’m on a ride’, sings Britney as the seductive rhythm guides you through the song.

Take Me To Church – Hozier

Hozier

As one of the most dramatic and religious-themed tracks among these titles, ‘Take Me To Church’ is a representation of all the prejudices and stereotypes associated with queer couples. With many religious analogies and metaphors, the song describes the struggles of living and loving in a cruel conservative society.

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor

As mentioned before, not all songs have to deliberately talk about acceptance or pride. ‘I Will Survive’ is a clear example of a song that serves as the party starter during a parade. The early 80s track, originally written as a breakup song, is now the happy melody accompanying the rainbow marches all over the world.

I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Once considered a corny bisexual-curious song, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ is now a favourite pick for Pride manifestations. Experimenting with your sexuality shouldn’t be an issue because once you do, you’ll realise ‘you liked it’, and that’s what this song is all about.

I Want to Break Free – Queen

Queen

Another classic that made its debut in queer music in the 80s, ‘I Want to Break Free’ is a homage to the drag community (in the music video all the band members are dressed in drag) but also represents an anthem to the freedom of love.

It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls

The Weather Girls

As a lyrical excitement for different kinds of men, the 80s dance song has been one of the greatest addition to Pride playlists. In a funny and comedic tone, the two black singers’ voices blend together to celebrate with a ‘hallelujah’ the diversity of their male possible lovers.

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen

If you’ve ever experienced falling in love at first sight then this track was made for you. Carly sings about moving too fast and falling for this kind of infatuation. The LGBTQ+ community can’t keep from dancing to this dreamy beat on the notes of ‘here’s my number, so call me maybe’.

Girls Like Girls – Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko

Coming from a queer artist, this track celebrates lesbian love in both lyrics and music video. It’s no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community holds a special spot for this song. ‘Girls like girls like boys do. Nothing new’, sings Hayley challenging conservative mentalities and stereotypes.

Raise Your Glass – P!nk

P!nk

P!nk has always been an LGBTQ+ icon and supporter. Her music is an essential element of Pride parades because it has that tough and unbothered attitude necessary to praise being diverse. ‘We will never be never be, anything but loud’ she sings provocatively. Just like other songs, ‘Raise Your Glass’ invites you to get your freak on and party like never before.

I Follow Rivers (The Magician Remix) – Lykke Li

Lykke Li

A manifesto for the queer community, ‘I Follow Rivers’ is a house track which was also featured in the 2013 film ‘Blue Is the Warmest Colour’. This track has frequently been present in Pride parades since its appearance in the movie, becoming one of the main LGBTQ+ anthems.

Really Don’t Care – Demi Lovato feat. Cher Lloyd

Demi Lovato, Cher Lloyd

Demi Lovato teamed up with Cher Lloyd to create a song that would empower those people who are often the victims of bullying and discrimination. ‘Now if we meet out on the street I won’t be running scared I’ll walk right up to you and put one finger in the air’, sings Demi in an attempt to provoke haters. The track turned out to be perfect for Pride parades: the music video was filmed during the LA Pride in 2014.

Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics by Clare Stephenson

The post Top 15 Anthems to Bop to For Pride appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As the wind of the Black Lives Matter protests keeps rising in America and around the world, the beginning of Pride Month marks a new addition to the movement in support of Black trans people.

Together, the LGBTQ+ community and the BLM movement have been the protagonists of this week’s latest protests. Activists have rallied in multiple cities across the U.S. to highlight undermining issues that affect Black LGBTQ+ individuals, such as police brutality, discrimination, and racism.

Thousands of people have marched for change and justice following the killing of two Black trans women, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, 27, and Riah Milton, 25. Fells was found dead on the shore of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, while Milton was shot several times in a robbery attempt in Ohio.

Dominique Fells and Riah Milton Illustrations by African@AAPolicyForum

Their deaths fuelled anger among the Black and the LGBTQ+ communities, especially after the police misgendered the victims and following the decision of President Trump to allow health care providers to deny support for trans individuals.

It’s not the first time Black trans people have been targeted or discriminated by the police: earlier in March, three other Black trans individuals were murdered and their names never got to be remembered.

As reported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in 2020 there’s been at least 15 transgender or gender non-conforming people murdered by violent means, but many other stories may still be unreported.

However, united in a country-wide protest, people are demanding to have justice, to say their names, and to show love to Black trans lives. On June 14, an estimated 50,000 people manifested in New York City, Los Angeles and Brooklyn, equipped with colourful signs and white t-shirts as a nod to the 1917 silent protest parade organised by the NAACP.

The peaceful protests and silent vigils were also accompanied by Drag marches, speakers and Pride Liberation manifestations, and will continue to protest in the next couple of days.

Some of the organisations present at the rallies included: the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, The Okra Project and Black Trans Femmes.

‘All Black Lives Matter’, the powerful statement painted on Hollywood Boulevard, LA, is the background for these protests which have now flooded social media feeds.

On Twitter, the families and friends of the victims share some thoughts and memories, inciting people to call for justice. The hashtags and serve as a tribute to them but also to get people involved in the protests.

Between protests, petitions and donations, there are many ways you can spread awareness to help the movement: with the many LGBTQ+ organisations involved, you can financially support the community by visiting their website and make a donation.

Donate here: • The Okra Project

• The Black Trans Travel Fund • Black Visions Collective • All About Trans • The Marsha P. Johnson Institute • GoFundMe (for Fells and Milton’s funerals)

You can also share the number for the first transgender suicide hotline in the U.S., the

Trans Lifeline. Reach at 877-565-8860.

Additionally, these are some of the petitions you can sign:

Justice for Pete

Protect Black Trans Women!

More protection for Black Trans Women UK

Words by Gennaro CostanzoCover by Clare Stephenson

The post Black Trans Lives Matter: How To Donate To Support The Movement appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The line between fashion and art has officially blurred into oblivion after New York Fashion Week. The most important week in NYC erupted with applause and adoration after the House of Velour took the opening ceremonies to a whole new level.

The spectacular Sasha Velour and her court of queens put on a cabaret composed entirely of LGBTQIA+ individuals. From the heights of glamour to the most minimal, models and queens brought their own unique identity to the runway. Velour has been a loud and proud supporter to the New York community that has shaped her. “My drag was born in a community full of trans women, trans men, and gender non-conforming folks doing drag. That’s the real world of drag, like it or not. I think it’s fabulous and I will fight my entire life to protect and uplift it.” From her monthly cabaret show “Nightgowns” to winning season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she has strived to create a platform for queens and queers to express themselves.

Sasha wasn’t the only queen strutting her stuff for Fashion Week. The surreal artist Hungry and Patrick Starr both walked in the over-the-top The Blonds show. You couldn’t find two totally different people walking on the same runway. Patrick Starr’s fierce femininity and voluptuous figure couldn’t do Ursula the Sea Witch more justice, while Hungry’s otherworldly makeup and haunting beauty brought us chills. To top it off Dominique T.A.R Jackson absolutely SERVED us Maleficent realness.

The Marco Marco show featured an all-trans cast of models, the first NYFW show to do so.“It became apparent to me that trans and non-binary people’s presence was often overshadowed by cis gay men or cis gay men in drag. I wanted to create a space to celebrate trans bodies.” Marco Marco has taken inspiration from the LGBTQA+ community and featured queer icons such as Sasha Velour and Dominique T.A.R Jackson.

It seemed as though one of the most major fashion queens was missing from the front rows of NYFW. The one and only Violet Chachki was far to busy on tour to grace New York with her presence. She did, however, make a splash at Milan Fashion week at the Marni show in her signature raven hair paired with a sleek green PVC coat. After being a staple of the NYC fashion scene, she’s spread her wings to fashion weeks all over the globe. We’re excited to see where she lands next.

What can we say, it’s an epidemic! The queens and queers are taking over to make the world a more strange and spectacular place. Representation of all walks of life is needed now more than ever, especially in fashion. If NYFW was a taste of what’s to come, we at Voir are ready to be served a full course.

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The post Queens of New York: Fashion Week’s Takeover appeared first on Voir Fashion.