Getting Your Life!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!! Ball Effects 101

There has been a very heated debate on why Women/Butch/Transmen are not "respected" in the mainstream scene. I noticed a huge difference during this year's Latex Ball and realized one important detail: Us WBT's have no FLAIR!!! Where's the show? After all, isn't that what a Ball is?

At first, it was okay that we lacked in doing grand entrances, huge effects and productions but after 5 years (yes we've been doing this for THAT long) I see very little growth from our humble beginnings. Most houses who allow their members to pump from the mainstream have showed more elaborate effects than what has been done before (e.g. Budah Balenciaga's "Beauty & the Beast" outfit for the Beauty & The Beast Ball and his "Trapped in the Closet" production for the 1st Unity Ball) but even with that, they are baby steps compared to those that are executed by our male/FQ counterparts in the mainstream.

Ball promoters have "dumbed" down category descriptions for fear that people may not reach high enough to capture the essence of the category theme and even when giving people a color, it's been seen that the basics are met. If they ask for all black, do an all black tux! Come as a giant spider or Lady Gaga inspired costume in all black. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!! A black tee, jeans and sneakers is the bare minimum and no one can get excited from that!

As a community, we have a put a twist on the world of Fashion, Dance and Entertainment. LGBTQ have cornered the runways, musicals and the stage taking a mere thought to great heights and here we are WBT, still figuring out how to translate a category. We must show that we are creative TOO!

Below is a youtube video I found displaying how one girl took her creativity and innovation and created a dress worth talking about for her prom. I hope that by watching this teen think outside the box that it will inspire you to do the same. Don't be good, BE GREAT! It's crazy what a little imagination, creativity and an hot glue gun can do!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Roxi

Packing for a Ball - Don't forget your life!

Some time ago, a friend of mine on Twitter tweeted that she left some items for a vacation while she was packing and like the advice columnist I am, I quickly responded with some tips on how she could pack with ease for next time. It dawned on me that with the various materials that we create and need for a ball that perhaps the "girls who pump" may need a packing guide to make sure that they don't forget their life at home while trying to get their LIFE abroad. So here are my tips for packing for a ball...

- While obtaining the components for your effects, if at all possible, ship them PRIOR to leaving. That way you aren't rushing, you aren't carrying extra weight AND you won't have glitter on your new shoes for the after party.

- Prepack a "travel" bags. Use freezer bags to pack like items that NEVER leave your suitcase. Because freezer bags have labels, you can categorize your bags so you never mix them up (e.g. Cosmetics, Toiletries, Hair Products & ER Ball Fixes).

Here's what's inside my ER Ball Fixes bag:

Hair Spray - its used for holding hair, glitter and confetti in place
Fabric Glue - used for fabric/jewels, dries clear
Safety Pins/Pin & Needle - for last minute fixes
Duct Tape - used for traction on shoes, holding boobs down & a cheap girdle!
Ribbon - holds hair back, contains balloons and can used as
Stapler/Staples - used to fix bad seams or to drape fabric as a dress
Scissors - need I say more?
Bobby Pins - Hair never stays; used with Hair Spray

I suggest keeping a list of all items it contains and placing that in the bag so you can check off when you need to add something thats been depleted. Also carrying this with you to the ball ensures that you will never be falling apart at seams at a function.

Hope this helps you Runway Divas!

xoxo
Roxi

3rd Annual Unity Ball in ATL - Sept 5th

Explanation of categories are below

Hosted by: Legendary Mother Jaimee Balenciaga, Overall Mother Reign Moulin & Mother Chanel Prada
at
Loews Hotel
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
Doors open at 3pm - BE EARLY!

Women
Runway - In all black
(Roxi says: Must be head to toe!)

Sex Siren - In all Pink
(Roxi says: Must be head to toe!

Body - In bright colors $$
(Roxi says: Think neon not pastels!)

Big Girls Face - With a prop
(Roxi says: a prop is something you can showcase!)

Hat, shoe, & bag - Hat must be a color, shoe must be a heel, and the bag must be big enough to seal the deal!
(Roxi says: this is self explanatory and since it's a fashion category, all three should coordinate!)

Butch
School boy Realness - Back to school
(Roxi says: You bring more than just a book bag to school!)

Face - With a tie
(Roxi says: This is self-explanatory! )

Sex Siren - Fresh out the shower
(Roxi says: Towel, body buff, baby oil!)

Performance - Old way or with a twist what ever you fancy
(Roxi says: Old way, new way, vogue femme, hand & arm performance! The dougie is NOT performance!)

Transmen
Sex Siren - Grown man status
(Roxi says: Be you and a corner hoodlum is NOT a grown man!)

Face - In all black
(Roxi says: Must be head to toe!)

Man of the night - Must be tastefully done!
(Roxi says: Get GQ fellas!)

Team Realness (1 Butch & 1 Transman) - One Boss and worker (white or blue collar) with props $$
(Roxi says: white collar is office oriented, blue collar is service oriented!)

Butch vs Transmen vs BQ All American Runway - A weekend at the Hamptons
(Roxi says: You better look like a Phat Farm ad!)

Butch up in pumps - With a colorful pair of pumps $$
(Roxi says: You must look natural in pumps! Dont break your ankle!)

Butch and his bitch - Bonnie and Clyde (Past, present, or future) $$
(Roxi says: You must mimic some classic couples for this one! The cincher is the overall effect.)

Switch - Dressy to messy (Part one bring me a sloppy him or her and then part 2 come back cleaned up her or him)
(Roxi says: sweatpants femme to swanky AG or vice versa!)

OPEN TO ALL

Best dressed Couple - Must complement each other
(Roxi says: You dont have to wear the same color but you must look in sync! If it isn't paparazzi ready, stay home!)

Open To All Hair affair
(Roxi says: Cuts, colors and height are key! Think fantasy hair!)

OTA Hand Performance - With gloves $$
(Roxi says: The judges are watching how your hands and arms move ONLY!)

OTA Streetwear - Summer 2010
(Roxi says: Must be this year urban pieces! What was the look for the hood?)

OTA Face - Never walked vs never won - In all white
(Roxi says: Must be head to toe! If you've ever won this category you will be chopped!)

OTA Runway w/understudy - The understudy has never walked
(Roxi says: One ringer with one rookie! Have you taught the rookie well?)

OTA Foot & eyewear - Must look like a set (labels not a must) $$
(Roxi says: Labels not a must so GET CREATIVE! Think outside the box an show them something they've never seen!)

Lip sync - This category will only have 5 contestants. You must sign up at the door. First come, first serve. Must be less than 4 min. $$
(Roxi says: You lip sync in the mirror all the time but can you appear like you are the singer IN THE VIDEO?!)

Mini Grand $$
Team Women Face (Must be from different houses)
With a production 2 min or less
(Roxi says: You can't pick your house sister and a production is a skit!)

Grand Prize $$ (prize goes to House)
Family Portrait
Bring us a life size family portrait with a 2-5 min production of at least 2 categories your house is known for with a sickening final pose
(You can use as many members as you like but must be at least 4)

For Questions and for Tables Call 678.368.6435

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A HISTORY IN GRACE & ELEGANCE - THIS IS TRUE FACE!

I am constantly asked "What is Face?". I'm sure Legendary faces such as Legendary Jaimee Balenciaga and Legendary Aisha Iman-Prodigy would have more in depth answers into to what face is and what the category exists of. I, as a 007, on the other hand, learned by watching those who walk the category and I believe both mothers will agree that learning from our past is ALWAYS best and will move us farther into our future.

Passing by various youtube videos tonight, I came across this video displaying and highlighting ICONIC faces in the scene. For all those looking to walk Female Figure Face, you should be studying the grace and elegance of these ladies. Notice that they allowed their face to speak for them. No catty antics whatsoever! Just watch and you'll see what I mean.

Rest In Peace
Danielle Revlon
Jennifer Legend
& the UNDENIABLE Octavia St. Laurent!
You ladies TRULY paved the way!

Click below to be directed to the site for categories and more information!

20th Annual Latex Ball Category Breakdown - Transmen Categories

Below are the Categories open to TRANSMEN - I have called out a list of names of those I know who walk both the Mainstream as well as the Women/Butch/Transmasculine scene. If I haven't mentioned your name, I invite you to come battle it out for the trophy and make your name KNOWN TO ALL! - xoxo Roxi

TRANSMAN REALNESS
PRIZE: 1 Trophy & $50.00 sponsored by Marquise Balenciaga

Theme: GQ Man of the Year

Each year GQ magazine picks one man that signifies masculinity, sex and style. This year you’re competing with other men to be 2011 Man of the Year. Tonight show us why you’re style, masculinity and sex appeal reigns above all others…give us that GQ look.

Calling out Rome Prodigy, Kiron Prodigy, Ni'tee Balenciaga, Prez Balenciaga, Jevon Legacy, Kareem Prodigy, Zaire Prodigy, Lucky Legacy, Tariq Balenciaga - You stand as you are, who stands alone with the trophy?

TRANSMAN SEX SIREN
PRIZE: 1 Trophy & $50.00 sponsored by Marquise Balenciaga

Theme: The Trans Modeling Agency (The Go See)

The Latex Ball is happy to introduce to you the Trans Modeling Agency that’s causing a buzz all over the world. Designers and marketers are looking for fresh and sexy T Male models to represent their brands. Prove that you are worthy to be a sexy spokes model for our agency in a daring look in all one solid color. Remember you are selling sex.

Calling out Rome Prodigy, Kiron Prodigy, Ni'tee Balenciaga, Tariq Balenciaga - You make the girls (and the boys) stop and stare, seduce that trophy into your hands!

MALE FIGURES (These cats are for those who identify as MALE in life or while walking [i.e. Butches])

TEAM REALNESS
PRIZE: 3 Trophies

Theme: XXL presents ‘The Realest Triple Threat’

The Swag, the Trendsetter, the Fashion, and the Realness; tonight bring forth your realest 3 male figures to represent a hip hop fashion spread right from the streets. There are three models but you have to choose which would be showcased. 1 Butch, 1 Transman, 1 Schoolboy, 1 Pretty Boy, or 1 Thug… Pick three figures from the 5 choices, you all should be wearing something fashionable and cohesive to represent the spread. There should be 1 person to represent a different type of realness. For example there can’t be 2 schoolboys and one thug in a group of three.

For more information:
Derrick L. Briggs at 212-367-1572 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-367-1572 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-367-1572 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or
Luna Luis Ortiz at 212-367-1017 / LunaO@gmhc.org

OPEN TO ALL (These categories are for all gender labels to walk)

OTA OLDWAY VS NEWWAY
PRIZE: 2 Trophies & $100.00 Sponsored by Louie G. Legacy in Honor of Willie Ninja

Theme: Print It Out

Prints and Textiles have always been a signature for many designers and a distinction for people’s individual expression through style. You have polka dots, stripes, paisleys, floral, checkered, geometrics, plaids, gingham, etc. You also have custom made prints like Missoni, Versace, and Pucci that help signify a designer’s aesthetic. Tonight pick a print that signifies your craft as a performer. Your ensemble must be creative.

OTA BIZARRE
PRIZE: 1 Trophy & $250.00 Sponsored by Imperial Court of NY

Theme: A Tribute to a Creative Genius

On February 11, 2010 the world lost a true creative genius, artistic visionary and masterful fashion designer. Season after season Alexander McQueen has presented some of the most innovative shows and exquisite designs. His creative mind surpasses any other designer of this era and that why he is a true legend. Tonight let’s pay homage to a man’s creativity that will live forever. Pick any show that he has done and take the inspiration of that show and take it to a whole other UNIVERSE. You are not copying his designs but using his inspiration as a way to crown yourself a true creative genius.

OTA BEST DRESSED
PRIZE: 2 Trophies (Male Figure/Female Figure)

Theme: The Fashion Revolutionary

Tonight your sense of fashion is put to the test. We are sick of the norm and we are sick of the expected. Tonight bring us an ovah look from head to toe with the most sickening and creative eyewear that would change our perception of fashion and signify the future of fashion. This is not a label category it is an innovative category. Come done or don’t come at all. Gag Us!!!!

OTA LABELS
PRIZE: 2 Trophies & $150.00 Sponsored by Imperial Court of NY

Theme: The Trunk Show (The Artistry of Peeling)

It’s time to get back to basics and leave the bullshit to the amateurs. Labels, Labels, and more labels… Peel, peel, and more peel. It has to be Ovah, it has to be sickening, and it has to be FASHION!! Male figures in Men garments and Female figures in women garments only.

OTA GRAND PRIZE
Theme: Designer's Delight | The Fashion Show
PRIZE: $2,000.00 Sponsored by Downelink.com

Every designer in history creates collections after collections based on a particular inspiration or matters around the world that affects them. They express their opinions, points of view, and emotions through their fashion designs. Now it’s your turn, to create a fashion show that expresses your thoughts, emotions and feelings on how the AIDS epidemic affects you. Tonight bring forth a 3 piece collection based on the effects the AIDS epidemic has on you as a designer.

The collection must be cohesive and all related to awareness. All of your designs should have a clear message of what your point of view is or messages. Remember this is a fashion show your final piece should be the most outstanding piece in your collection.

Click below to be directed to the site for categories and more information!

20th Annual Latex Ball Category Breakdown - Butch Categories

Below are the Categories open to BUTCHES - I have called out a list of names of those I know who walk both the Mainstream as well as the Women/Butch/Transmasculine scene. If I haven't mentioned your name, I invite you to come battle it out for the trophy and make your name KNOWN TO ALL! - xoxo Roxi

BUTCH FACE
PRIZE: 1 Trophy

Theme: Fashion Rocks!!!

For years androgynous men have caught the eye of the fashion industry and Rock and Roll from David Bowie, Billy Idol, Adam Lambert, Prince, Michael Jackson, to Boy George to name a few. We have admired their sexual energy and striking looks, now it’s time for you to be added to that list. Bring that face in an androgynous rock & roll look.

Calling out Tyree Prada, Crave Prada, Prince Balenciaga, Jaydon 007 - What a handsome face you have, will your carta force a win?

MALE FIGURES (These cats are for those who identify as MALE in life or while walking [i.e. Butches])

TEAM REALNESS
PRIZE: 3 Trophies

Theme: XXL presents ‘The Realest Triple Threat’

The Swag, the Trendsetter, the Fashion, and the Realness; tonight bring forth your realest 3 male figures to represent a hip hop fashion spread right from the streets. There are three models but you have to choose which would be showcased. 1 Butch, 1 Transman, 1 Schoolboy, 1 Pretty Boy, or 1 Thug… Pick three figures from the 5 choices, you all should be wearing something fashionable and cohesive to represent the spread. There should be 1 person to represent a different type of realness. For example there can’t be 2 schoolboys and one thug in a group of three.

For more information:
Derrick L. Briggs at 212-3672
or
Luna Luis Ortiz at 212-367-1017 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-367-1017 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-367-1017 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-367-1017 end_of_the_skype_highlighting / LunaO@gmhc.org

20th Annual Latex Ball Category Breakdown - Women Categories

Below are the Categories open to WOMEN - I have called out a list of names of those I know who walk both the Mainstream as well as the Women/Butch/Transmasculine scene. If I haven't mentioned your name, I invite you to come battle it out for the trophy and make your name KNOWN TO ALL! - xoxo Roxi

WOMEN FACE
PRIZE: Trophy & $100.00 & cosmetics sponsored by Blue Michael Cosmetics

Theme: Sadistic Beauty

Gianni Versace and Alexander McQueen have made fetish, S&M, and sadistic fantasy part of couture society. Although it has been controversial it also signified a new era of expression by making something that is known as twisted perversion, beautiful. Tonight sell your face and bring back Versace’s and McQueen’s sadistic minds from the dead. Please do your research.

Calling out Korea Balenciaga, Tiffany Balenciaga, Deb Balenciaga, Babydoll Iman-Prodigy, TK Iman-Allure, Aneesa Blahnik, Poison Mizrahi, Hazel Moulin, Chula Moulin, Face Prodigy, Athena Prada, Joslyn Prada, HP Prada, Kay Evisu, Felicia Evisu, Jessica Rabbit 007... Make this is an ULTIMATE BATTLE!

WOMENS BODY
PRIZE: Trophy

Theme: Sports Illustrated ‘The Couture Issue’

In this day and age we have seen it all. Sports Illustrated has shot almost everyone in almost every kind of swimwear, but for summer 2010 they decided to go BIG by naming it the Couture Issue. We want to see that sickening body in the most sickening bathing suit. Bold prints, Edgy cuts and don’t forget that sickening Body.

Calling out Syn Moulin, Lady Iman-Blahnik, Joy Prodigy, Maddy "The Body" Legacy, Mother Empress Cassidy, Butterfly Prodigy, Godiva Iman, Beautiful Blahnik - Luscious vs. T&A - Who will pop it to victory?

FEMALE FIGURES (These cats are for those who identify as FEMALE in life or while walking [i.e. Drag Queens])

FEMALE FIGURE RUNWAY
PRIZE: 3 Trophies (Women vs. Drags vs. Femme Queens)

Theme: A Model’s Nightmare

Designers put models through some of the most excruciating conditions just to get their visions across to the world. We have seen it done to Naomi Campbell at the Vivienne Westwood Fashion Show. Now prove to us you are a true supermodel by defying the odds. Bring us a wicked effect in a couture gown with a train and pumps no less that 5” inches.

Calling out Heaven Prodigy, Chanel Prada, Driven Prada, Leidy Prada, Monet Moulin, DD Moulin, Myiah Moulin, Candy Balenciaga, Chanou Iman-Prodigy, Keva 007, Raven 007, Diva Davonna Mizrahi, Kiana Jourdan Ebony, Gisele Xtravanganza - They all storm the runway but who pumps away with that trophy?

FEMALE FIGURE PERFORMANCE
PRIZE: 3 Trophies (Women vs. Drags vs. Fem Queens) & $200.00 Sponsored by UNCUTNYC.com

Theme: The Fashion Takeover Pop Stars

There is a true fashion revolution that is happening in this era. We have pop stars being more and more fashionable; it’s amazing how far they can elevate fashion. From Rihanna to Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani to Beyonce, Pick any Pop Star you like that is a true fashionista and bring her to life.

Calling the return of Danielle Ninja!!! Who else will come and play?

FEMALE FIGURE HEAD TO TOE BIG GIRL OVAHNESS
PRIZE: 1 Trophy

Theme: The Size Issue

Finally the Plus size market is being recognized and accepted and now it’s your time to make a mark in this new fashion revolution. They just featured you in all the most elite magazines for your innovative sense of style and striking beauty, but now it’s time for you to be on the cover. Bring us a look that is worthy of being on a High Fashion Magazine Cover and being labeled a future fashion Icon.

Calling out Jane Iman-Prodigy, Chula Moulin, Face Prodigy, Felicia Evisu, Kelis Legacy, Jennifer Evisu, Kelly Mizrahi, Cee-Jaye 007, Jessica Rabbit 007... They show how Big is always in but who walks OUT snatching the trophy?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Jenelle Simone supports The Latex Project "Fashion Revolution" Ball

Welcome my blog friends!

My sister radio show host/on-air personality Jenelle Simone recorded this special invite. If you aren't affiliated with her, she's done Floss, King, Essence and Hype Hair magazine editorials. She's the host of "The Listening Party" on 90.3FM each and every tuesday from 8-10pm and she's the new face of... (can I leak this? Let me ask her legal advisor first) Of course she's straight and that's what makes The Latex Ball so hot! Every race, creed, color and sexuality can come and enjoy the fun, creativity and theatrics of the ball!