The Best Ballroom Fashion Moments From 'Pose'
The groundbreaking show’s final season premieres tonight.
Birthed by television legends Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck, alongside newcomer Steven Canals, Pose has inspired, uplifted, and shed light on thousands of individuals, who prior saw little-to-no representation of themselves on television. Based in 1980s New York, the series follows the extravagant, dynamic, lively space that is the ballroom scene. Ballroom culture cultivates a space in which queer POC are free to express themselves without the threat of judgement from the outside world. The underground community consists of costumes, competitions, and most importantly, camaraderie. The latter serves as Pose’s largest takeaway—that family isn’t always who you’re related to, but oftentimes those who love and support you unconditionally.
With a cast composed almost entirely of transgender and queer POC—including breakout stars Indya Moore and MJ Rodriguez—Pose made television history, and it didn’t take this lightly. It not only depicts a celebration of queer life, but it brought to light stories seldom told. The series tackles the two major issues plaguing the community at the time—transphobia and the AIDS epidemic. While both are still alive and well today, the series delves into the two with delicacy and care, and in a way that educates those uninformed.
An ode to Pose would not be complete if it did not mention the incredible fashion featured in the show, courtesy of designer Analucia McGorty. With costumes being the main component of ballroom categories, style and creativity is of the utmost importance, and plays a critical role in the show.
As we enter the show’s final season, L’OFFICIEL takes a look at some of its fiercest, most jaw-dropping ballroom fashion moments.