The fashion world, for the longest time, has always been a loving space for many LGBTQIA+ creatives. It thrives on their creativity, boldness in expressing themselves, and constant effort to push the boundaries of beauty. As a result, a new movement in the industry is formed that aims to break down stereotypes, make things more inclusive, and use clothing as a tool to highlight and not conceal people’s true selves—including their beautiful flaws. We’ve seen it on the pages of the magazines, campaigns plastered everywhere, and now on the runways.
Last June 27 at Baked Studios in Makati City, global lifestyle brand Avon presented its first underwear fashion show featuring only Filipino models and muses that belong to the LGBTQIA+ Community. With its goal to democratize beauty, the show put the spotlight on personalities of different shapes and gender, proving that beauty can be seen in everybody and in every body.
Razvan Diratian
“We believe in beauty democracy… [we are] proud to be inclusive and open to all,” said Razvan Diratian, Avon APAC’s managing director and Avon Philippines’ general manager. “Challenging stereotypes has been at the heart of every Avon campaign—first for women, now for all.”
To make its all-queer underwear fashion show a reality, the brand tapped some of the local LGBTQIA+ icons. Wearing the brand’s new Flexicomfort Intimate Apparel line with pieces by fashion designer Thian Rodriguez were transwoman model Keylyn Trajano, actress Klea Pineda, veteran hairstylist Lourd Ramos, and “Drag Race Philippines” season one winner Precious Paula Nicole.
Witnessing the show was like being in a ballroom scene in New York. It is empowering, full of colors and statement looks, with electrifying club music keeping everyone in a gleeful spirit. Some of the highlights of the runway show were drag queen Vińas DeLuxe’s song performance, the sickening strut and vogueing of HBO Max’s “Legendary” ballroom star Nunoy Revlon, and the presence of “Drag Race Philippines” host Paolo Ballesteros.
Through ticket-selling and product purchases, the brand will be donating proceeds to its partner support groups in creating a better world for all. “Whenever you support Avon, you don’t just enjoy high-quality products but you also play an active role in championing social progress to improve the lives of many,” Razvan said.
Check out some of the best looks that graced Avon’s all-queer runway show below:
Paolo Ballesteros and Vińas DeLuxe
Klea Pineda and Keylyn Trajano
Nunoy Revlon and Precious Paula Nicole
Sinon Loresca and Lourd Ramos
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