Down To Flock: 7 Queer Style Icons to Emulate at Denver Zoo’s Flock Party
The dog days of summer took their sweet time to get to Denver this year, and we’re not mad about it. But let’s not sleep on the soiree most likely to SERVE this season: Denver Zoo’s annual flamingo-themed benefit, Flock Party. Think: bougie bites, craft cocktails, enchanting animal experiences, and live music—with 84 gorgeous outdoor acres in which to spread your wings.
There’s an art auction for paintings created by the Zoo’s wild artists. There’s even an editorial fashion illustrator on site, capturing LIVE sketches of some of the more OTT outfits. So, once you’ve snapped up your ticket (all proceeds benefit the Zoo’s 3,000-plus wild residents, including their XX American and Chilean flamingos), let’s talk about what you’re wearing! Take inspo from these seven queer fashion icons, and you’re sure to turn some heads while doing some good!
The Trailblazer
It takes serious style chops to werk in a sharp suit AND a sequined gown, but RuPaul is no sartorial slouch. Famously neutral on pronouns (“You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis & Kathie Lee. I don’t care, as long as you call me!”), the drag diva prefers tailored menswear on the red carpet. This Lisa Frank-approved tux has *everything* you could possibly want in Flock Party flair: a punchy palette, an oversized zebra print, sequins, AND a faux fur stole. Our only note would be to choose a lower platform shoe, as you’re gonna rack up some mileage throughout the night.
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Twisted Tailor, Asos Design, Opposuits
The Maverick
Ryan Murphy muse (and award-winning actor) Sarah Paulson has always done things her own way, including her very public coming out: a spotlighted kiss to then-partner Cherry Jones, at the 2005 Tony Awards. Who else could turn society’s fickle sympathies back to Marcia Clark? She’s a bit of a fashion maverick, too, and one who’s mastered the art of the calculated risk. Always curious and never costumey, she pulls it ALL off: striking silhouettes, rampant ruffles, surprising flashes of skin—and here, a well-placed feathered fringe.
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Tuckernuck, Milly, Asos
The Disruptor
At the tender age of 24, multi-hyphenate entertainer Bretman Rock has already amassed more than 40 million followers across his social platforms, been the first openly gay man to adorn the cover of Playboy, and published a delightfully dishy memoir. A runway show regular, the Filipino phenom is a fashion chameleon whose advice is to avoid trends, ignore labels and gender, and choose quality over quantity. Sage advice from a fella whose Flock Party lewk would definitely be a pink feathered trench with silk epaulettes… shirtless, natch.
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Akira, Nasty Gal, 12th Tribe
The Dandy
Few people have expressed their appreciation for the color pynk more eloquently than triple threat Janelle Monáe. With eight Grammy noms and a SAG award under their belt, they’re a Fashion Week front row regular with a rep for putting their own fierce spin on luxury-label dressing. Always fashion-fluid, the not-so-hidden figure has pulled off many a Flock Party ‘fit—but this one just might be the G.O.A.T. Can just buying a Flock Party ticket make you hotter, though? Monáe says yes. “The more I’m giving, the happier I am, and the more beautiful my exterior will be.”
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Black Halo, Milly, Karen Millen
The Diva
It’s a long way from the pee-wee football fields of suburban Dallas to Taylor Swift’s on-stage entourage—but dancer and body-pos diva Dexter Mayfield makes it look SO easy. Along the way, the social media star has been an Out Swimsuit Edition cover boy, “Come Dance with Me” judge, Savage X Fenty collaborator, and general ray of sunshine. Dex favors loads of animal prints and bodycon styles, but we think this pink shaping catsuit (from Lizzo’s brand, Yitty) is perfect for the flocker who plans to shake a tailfeather ‘til the macaws come home.
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Yitty, Asos Curve, PrettyLittleThing
The Pioneer
Actress and advocate Laverne Cox has quite a few firsts to her name. She’s the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for acting, to appear on the cover of Time and Cosmopolitan magazines AND to be honored with a Barbie doll in her likeness. When she’s not fighting for LGBTQ rights, Cox is busy setting the new gold standard for Hollywood glamour. If you think her 2021 Oscars confection (1,000 yards of tulle!) is too much for a Zoo do, try a sleek one-shoulder sheath in this flockin’ perfect shade of flamingo pink.
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Lulus, Revolve, Petal & Pup
The Flockstar
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury hit countless high notes during his all-too-short life—plenty of them in the wardrobe department. But while he’s better known for his leather daddy looks, we’re partial to this pink satin flight suit: the pinnacle of one-and-done party dressing! Better still: steal Mercury’s look, and you’ll be twinning with his Denver Zoo namesake, American flamingo Freddie! While the brilliant bird has since moved on from former partner Lance Bass, he’s still a bicon deserving of your worship. Keep an eye out for him during the evening’s Flamingo Walks!
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Rent the Runway, Nordstrom, Lulus
