16th June 2025
Images by Lawrence Cortez

Pink? Glitter? Wings? Every thing was truthful sport when it got here to what folks wore to the current World AIDS Day Ball in Toronto.

For those who go to a ball and aren’t lined in glitter, sequins or feathers, did you really go to a ball? Not in line with the attendees of the World AIDS Day Ball: Celestial Beings held on Saturday, December 3, at Historical past in Toronto.

The annual occasion was half fundraiser and half get together, elevating consciousness for HIV programming at Maggie’s Toronto whereas concurrently celebrating the Black, queer and ballroom communities. With over $20,000 in money prizes, World AIDS Day Ball: Celestial Beings was the biggest in Canadian historical past, and it was, within the truest sense of the phrase, joyful.

For the uninitiated, the ballroom scene is a celebration of dance, vogue and competitors within the African-American, Latino and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. The underground tradition started in New York Metropolis initially of the late 20th century as a response to the racism skilled in established drag queen pageant circuits. Since then, ballroom has exploded and garnered extra buzz for the reason that 2020 introduction of HBO’s actuality TV present Legendary, judged by FASHION’s November cowl star Regulation Roach.

Minimize to 2022, and Toronto’s World AIDS Day ball was energetic in its exuberance. That includes over 16 classes, together with greatest dressed, intercourse siren and excellent 10s, contestants sashayed and sissyed that stroll, showcasing their greatest magnificence appears, voguing expertise and outfits. As this yr’s theme was “Celestial Beings,” the runway class was particularly further, as campy opponents stomped the runway in ethereal, bird-like ensembles, full with wings, sparkles and large, daring colors. After a hard-fought battle, the legendary Lolita Miyake-Mugler was topped the winner and awarded the most important prize of the evening, a money prize of $3,000 and a bundle of NYX Cosmetics.

Off the runway, friends additionally confirmed as much as slay the home down. Outsized fake fur coats grazed large platform boots. Shimmery sheer bodysuits had been accessorized with lacy lingerie. There have been even some glimpses of Barbiecore.

Whether or not you’re in search of vacation get together inspo or concepts for what to put on to your subsequent ballroom get together, listed below are a few of our favorite appears from World AIDS Day Ball: Celestial Beings in Toronto.

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