The glittery enchantment of ALTBALL 

ALTBALL is not your average fashion show. Now in its third year, it has become the one night where fashion, performance and queer art forms collide — all in the name of community and giving. This year, every dollar raised supported DOORWAYS, the longtime provider of HIV housing and supportive services founded in 1988.

The organization assists more than 3,500 people across Missouri and Illinois each year — work that will continue because of the outpouring of support at ALTBALL last Friday.

“One thing we have always been about is community,” said Tielere Cheatem, multidisciplinary visual artist and host of ALTBALL. “A community that uplifts one another, a community that knows how to show up for each other, especially when times are hard — that’s what ALTBALL is about, and that’s what you are a part of tonight.”

This year’s theme, ICON, transformed The Sovereign concert hall into an avant-garde landscape of fashion. There were also celebrity homages to artists like Prince and Jennifer Lopez. Producers threaded glitter through nearly every detail — even the food. The Purple Rain taco from Up Late arrived topped with edible glitter and paired with glitter salsa.

Guests mingled easily, swapping the names of designers and boutiques behind their looks before Lady Stout took the stage. The jazz, rock and R&B performer delivered a polished set in a maroon gown with dramatic pleated dolman sleeves, adding extra skip and scat to classics like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”

She was joined by Foster and The Fellowship, who provided live background music for the runway — a twist that energized the room. Their set moved from Prince’s “1999” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to Beyoncé’s “CUFF IT” and Lizzo’s “Juice,” giving each designer’s submission a soundtrack that matched the moment.

Judges included community legends like Andre Mizrahi, founder of the House of Mizrahi; designer Manuel Garcia of Manolo Bouvier and 2025 Best Look winner; Katie May, founder of May’s Place and May’s Night Market; and audience guest judge Disaster.

Designer Olivia Radle presented two white chiffon gowns with red ribbon and appliqué details. One was worn by model and dancer Cookie, whose powerful strut and low, controlled crawl at the end of the runway earned her Best Vibe.

Shanna Britta showcased two wearable art pieces built from feathers and metal, turning her models into moving sculptures. Alexis, one of her models, carried the look with such poise that she won Best Walk.

The final category winner was Tracy “Saint Patrik” Morris, who took home Best Look. His two designs — a floor-length puffer coat and a cropped jacket set — featured bold silhouettes in red, white and black. The audience was locked in, and the judges were too.

Then it was the audience’s turn. Vanessa Frost announced categories like Best Dressed, Best Runway and Best Performance — the latter drawing the loudest reactions. Guests took to the runway to vogue, showing precision and attitude as they whacked, spun and landed with ease.

What ALTBALL offered was beyond a night of fashion. It created space for community, creativity and self-expression. It was a place where artists, performers, designers and attendees could honor queer artistry and connect through music, movement and style.

Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.

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