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Portrait of 5 Prominent Queer Figures in Contemporary Fashion
Jun
June is a vibrant rainbow month—an ideal time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across all fields. Together with ELLE, explore five trailblazing individuals who have shattered barriers and redefined conventions, bringing a fresh, positive energy to the world of fashion. Their courage and creativity continue to inspire inclusivity, authenticity, and innovation within the industry.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, affirm identities, and spread pride within the LGBTQ+ community. In the fashion world—where personal expression is encouraged and celebrated—Pride Month amplifies marginalized voices more than ever. From pioneering designers to contemporary models and cultural icons, they not only set trends but also help reshape societal perceptions of gender and identity. This article explores remarkable individuals who have used fashion as a powerful tool to express themselves, fight for inclusion, and inspire millions around the world—both within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
Simon Porte Jacquemus, the French designer renowned for his eponymous brand Jacquemus, is no longer a stranger to fashion enthusiasts. His label is not just a showcase of innovative designs but also a deeply personal space where he explores and expresses his identity. Through every collection, Jacquemus weaves memories of childhood, stories, pride in family, and his sense of self, creating inspiring pieces that celebrate authenticity, diversity, and individual expression—making his work a powerful reflection of pride and belonging.
Simon Porte Jacquemus has sparked a global sensation with his tiny “Le Chiquito” bag, while his runway shows set amidst vast fields and feature striking pastel color palettes. Beyond his creative innovations, he has been a trailblazer in promoting inclusion and diversity—offering a range of sizes, lowering prices to reach broader audiences, and consistently incorporating LGBTQ+ imagery into his campaigns. A notable example is the Spring-Summer 2021 collection launched during Pride Month, which featured rapper Bad Bunny as a gender-neutral face for the Le Splash and Les Sculptures lines, exemplifying his commitment to celebrating authentic self-expression and embracing all identities.
In August 2022, Simon Jacquemus married Marco Maestri in a wedding ceremony in Charleval, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The event quickly made waves across social media, as all guests showcased coordinated Jacquemus-inspired outfits, turning the celebration into a stylish display of unity and personal expression.
Jacquemus is also a resolute advocate against LGBTQ+ discrimination. He openly confronts hate comments on social media and responds strongly when necessary. His declaration, “I will keep posting photos about love. Forever. You are very beautiful, never forget that!” has become a powerful source of encouragement for many young people within the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring confidence and promoting love and acceptance.
Hunter Schafer rapidly rose to stardom overnight with her striking portrayal of Jules in the acclaimed series Euphoria. Her unique acting talent, outspoken voice on social issues, and bold, evolving fashion style have made her a prominent icon for the new Gen Z generation. Known for her adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment, Hunter seamlessly transitions from everyday looks to stunning red carpet ensembles. This passion explains her frequent collaborations with avant-garde designers like Mugler, Gogo Graham, Schiaparelli, Miuccia Prada, and Rick Owens. As a Prada ambassador, she consistently wears meticulously crafted designs from the Italian house, many inspired by or directly featuring vintage collections, celebrating her authentic, bold individuality and contributing to a new narrative of self-expression and bravery during Pride Month.
It’s clear that Hunter Schafer has an exquisite fashion sense, making every appearance on the red carpet truly captivating. Notable examples include her deep-neck black velvet dress adorned with yellow lily embroidery by Schiaparelli at Paris Couture Week; her bold apron-style slit dress by Prada at Cannes; and her striking white lace peplum top with a plunging neckline, paired with flared trousers and contrasting cut-out black heels by Ludovic de Saint Sernin x Jean Paul Gaultier. Her fearless and sophisticated style consistently leaves the public in awe, reaffirming her status as a true fashion icon.
Representing the Gen Z transgender generation, Hunter Schafer discovered her gender identity at an early age and bravely expressed her truth: “I’ve always felt feminine, and that’s my genuine self—it doesn’t match the traditional male stereotype assigned to me initially.” Beyond her personal journey, Schafer actively advocates for the LGBTQ+ community through her “Speaking of Excellence” speaking series, aimed at promoting acceptance, understanding, and breaking down societal prejudices. Her courage and dedication continue to inspire positive change and inclusivity worldwide.
At just 33 years old, Ludovic de Saint Sernin has spent seven years building a bold and ambitious fashion brand that stands out in the LGBTQ+ community and among lovers of allure and mystery. Born in Brussels and raised in Paris, Ludovic has evolved his eponymous label from a pioneering vision into one of the most prominent and outspoken representatives of the “New Queer” movement. His distinctive perspective, focused on sensuality and gender fluidity, has earned widespread acclaim, positioning him as a key voice shaping contemporary, inclusive fashion narratives.
Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s designs draw powerful inspiration from artists like photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, celebrating the human body and queer culture. Much like Mapplethorpe’s work, Ludovic’s creations evoke intense emotions, embodying pure sensuality through bold pieces such as jockstrap-inspired pants, lace-up ballet shoes, and daring ensembles that recall the minimalist, provocative style of Helmut Lang. His work continually pushes boundaries, blending art and fashion to explore identity and desire with fearless originality.
The designer is positioning his brand as a socio-political movement. He shared, “I believe LDSS has the potential to become the first global queer brand.” His goal is to make the biggest impact possible and reach as many people as he can. This is a symbol of empowering the LGBTQ+ community with confidence—so, perhaps, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but for those brave enough to challenge norms and embrace their true selves.
Before rising as a top supermodel of the new generation, Alex Consani was already a social media sensation, often creating memes under the nickname “Miss Mawma.” However, she has surpassed her role as an internet muse to become a true fashion star at just 21, wielding strong influence across the industry. Alex has walked prestigious runways for leading brands like Mugler, Tory Burch, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Boss, and Roberto Cavalli, and has appeared as the face of major campaigns such as Jean Paul Gaultier, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the modern fashion landscape.
In August 2024, Alex Consani made history as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. Facing prejudices and a lack of understanding about transgender individuals within the industry, Consani continues to voice her truth: “Fashion, now more than ever, values voices. If you have the ability to use your voice, you must use it.” Her courage and advocacy highlight the importance of representation and authenticity in transforming the fashion world’s dialogue on gender and diversity.
Indeed, Alex Consani often leverages her influence to advocate for her community, aiming to create better opportunities for transgender women in the future. Her recent appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway is a clear testament to positive progress—especially in a world where transgender bodies are often politicized and subjected to scrutiny. Her presence not only challenges outdated standards but also helps foster greater acceptance and inclusivity within the fashion industry and beyond.
If the fashion industry is celebrated as a space that honors differences rather than hides them, then why not also celebrate talented women in the LGBTQ+ community like Jil Sander? Jil Sander remains a leading name in minimalist, precise fashion. Her influence extends so far that it’s difficult to pinpoint where her impact begins or ends because the aesthetic standards she pioneered have become central to our modern style.
Often called the industry’s first feminist designer, Jil Sander made significant contributions to the wardrobe of the modern working woman, demonstrating there are alternatives to dressing women in traditional men’s suits. She crafted a style that is sleek, refined, yet luxurious—based on Bauhaus principles of functionalism, rationality, and practicality for everyday life—setting a new standard for elegant minimalism that continues to define contemporary fashion.
The intersection of Jil Sander’s design philosophy and her approach to gender has profoundly shaped the “Lesbian chic” style—an unofficial but quietly powerful term often associated with minimalism, sharpness, and a strong, autonomous beauty. Her designs are understated yet carry a clear message of confidence and independence, resonating with women who refuse to be confined by traditional notions of femininity. This aesthetic celebrates self-assurance, individualism, and a liberated sense of identity, making her an enduring icon of modern empowerment through fashion.
