Fashionista Provocateur comes to Alwun House
Vera Saucy is shocking. Outrageous. Controversial. You have no idea exactly how scandalizing Vera is. Or maybe you do.
The free-spirit of Joey Gamboa we know as Vera Saucy prefers the gender neutral pronoun. They are known for promoting and participating in some of the most talked about underground parties and impious performance art pieces in the Valley, providing a stage for queens and performers who might not always fit in the traditional mold. And that’s okay. In fact, Vera celebrates it.
Now, the decadent and enfant terrible of Phoenix drag is pursuing their love of fashion and showcasing custom creations in a runway show at the historic Alwun House, where some of the Valley’s most creative artists have exhibited and performed for over 40 years.
The rambling art space hosts the long running Exotic Art Show, bringing together two months of exotic arts and performances. The exhibit opened February 8, featuring a showcase of WTQ (What the Queer) to an audience of over 400 people. The salon also features 134 artworks by 54 artists. Note: mature subject artwork is on display.
Alwun House’s mission is to showcase new and emerging talent. “When we started the Exotic Art Show 36 years ago, we were the first public venue to showcase drag to the general public and arts community,” said Dana Johnson of the Alwun House Foundation. “Today, drag is more mainstream and less shocking. That’s why we’re thrilled to be showcasing WTQ as they push the envelope, redefining what drag is.”
Vera Saucy Clothing’s “Fashionista Provocateur” inaugural fashion runway show is the perfect finale as Alwun House’s closing event for Art Detour 31 week.
“This is the launch of my queer lingerie collection. I’m shifting the focus more from my drag to my passion for design,” Vera said. “I’ve always dreamed of having an underwear line, and now I’m manifesting that into reality.”
The first show at 8 p.m. will be tame, but the second show at 9 p.m. will be un peu plus outré—a little outrageous. Okay, a lot. Models and artists include Luna Love St. James, Revel Lucien, Jericho Galindo, Gerbil Eggplant, Grey Matter, Calvin Wilkins, Yoyo Blackfire,, Brenden Xotul, Misti Malignant, Mx. Clunt, NiMare, Lucci, Quincy Adams, Kimchie and more. DJ Shocksite will be spinning ‘til midnight.
One of Vera’s models and muses, Damien Haddid, will be bringing his own “muchness” to Vera’s stage. “I like to think of my whole life as a performance,” he said.
Vera concluded, “By creating What the Queer, I know I’ve left my mark on the Arizona drag scene and inspired a whole new generation of Queerdos,” they said. “Now I feel a calling to move on to bigger and brighter things. This runway show is the perfect segue to showcasing my true passion: beautifying and uplifting the queer community through Fashion.”
Fashionista Provocateur
Saturday, March 16
Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix
Doors open at 7 p.m. with shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and a stage show at 10 p.m. VIP seating available.
21+ cash bar. BYOD … “Bring Your Own Debauchery “
Proceeds benefit the Alwun House Foundation. Find out more at AlwunHouse.org
Tickets available at VeraSaucy.com through EventBrite.
