The Twink Next Door Makes us Proud to be American
Patriotism is so back.
There might be nobody else who can instill American pride in a room full of Brooklyn socialists than The Twink Next Door, who held the newest installment of his anticipated New York Fashion Week show at Bolex Gallery in the East Village. The most engaging fashion in New York City was in the room, a once sterile white gallery transformed into a verdant escape with real branches his community sourced in New York parks.
Photos by Stef Murza.
I first fell in love with the brand last year, after helping on the Dallas BBQ NYFW runway show. The experience was like nothing I’ve ever seen before - models feeding guests chicken with inflatable pasties, VIPs in designer sunglasses sipping on jumbo margaritas, and an authentic and jolting energy from an audience I haven’t quite found since.
This season was equally as exciting, especially after following Twink’s antics for the past year. What makes his show so impactful is his world-building. Whether he’s getting Kylie Jenner to sign a bag of cat food, dressing Meg Stalter in a pool floatie, or posting about the new tiramisu flavor at Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s undeniable that Twink is someone worth watching.
All of these concepts, among many others, show up on the runway. Twink has a cinematic universe of sorts, or at the very least, a strong brand identity. We’re greeted by a rendition of the national anthem by none other than Lady Gaga as the first models come out.
Bombastic and adorned with melted plastic (a signature technique of the Bushwick-based designer), these models had everyone’s attention in the palm of their hands. Standouts in this section include Vega Harlan (who co-produced the show and took lead in assembling the plush flora that surrounded the runway) and Rain Batingana, who recently made a splash on Project Runway, hair laid beautifully outside of a giant red star sculpture.
Photo 1 by Stef Murza, Photo 2 by Madison Paloski.
As models strutted past red white and blue flowers, the crowd roared and wasn’t afraid to react to any of the looks that came down the runway. A show designed for all of the senses, Twink made sure guests were well-fed by armoring artist and model Valley Latini with custom branded Twink donuts and Charlie Byrd with two fully loaded canisters of whipped cream. What other NYC-based designer can say their model sprayed Teezo Touchdown with Reddi Whip?
Photo by Stef Murza.
Other legendary moments included Chicago’s own Kylie Kirk modeling the very bag of Meow Mix the Jenner of the same name signed months ago. The look was adorned with orange feathers that resembled her 2019 Met Gala: Notes on Camp outfit - a Russian doll of references to the show’s theme that show how in control and intentional Twink is.
Photo by Madison Paloski.
Truly every look was in a league of its own and was striking in some way; be it texture, composition, color or otherwise. As if the previously mentioned materials weren’t wild enough, Twink also worked with volleyballs, recorders, flotation devices, and other items I likely didn’t even recognize.
As Obscura readers may know, it’s not always easy to dress authentically and present yourself to the world. The Twink Next Door show is an escape from reality, a room where everyone is comfortable in their own skin and creativity reigns. It’s the same mentality of his longtime muse Lady Gaga, and just like the Born this Way singer, we think Twink will make waves for years to come.
Show Credits:
Production: Vega Harlan, Vulpzy, Mary Kate, Becca, Kylie & Twink Next Door volunteers
Sponsors: JVN Hair and Rind Cheese
Styling: Wxzard