It may surprise some to see Willie Nelson's name attached to a BDSM-inspired runway show, but it was the country star's creative team who put "Veneration" on a mainstream stage for its 2022 debut.
According to the show's organizers, Nelson's team wanted some local LGBTQIA representation at the multi-purpose Lucktoberfest, and approached local film director and producer Hannah Varnell because they liked her unique music videos. Fashion simply felt right for the on-site collaborative visual spectacle, so she starting putting together a runway show — even though she'd never done it before.
Varnell recruited five Central Texas designers and sought community partnerships to stay on-budget. Production studio Suite 650 contributed a runway design, media agency 3rd + Lamar helped with a livestream, and event producers Future Front provided additional support; Finally, models walked "Southern glamour"-themed collections down the main road of Luck, Texas, for a show called "Desert Roses" with an audience of more than 600 attendees.
Design by DASHE in "Desert Rose."Photo by Dé Randle @derandl3. Model: Frankie @frankie.the.fab
Six months later, the two San Antonio designers from the show — Benjamin Medina and Navarr Gonzales — told Varnell they were working on more collections. Varnell teamed up with Dashe designer and producer Danielle Shepherd to officially found Bloodbath Studio, for more multifaceted support of independent, underground artists.
In December, Bloodbath showed a new set of designs in the second annual, first independent "Veneration" show. Varnell, Shepherd, Medina, and Gonzales all acted as co-creative directors for a truly collaborative project.
This recent show upped the ante at Suite650, with live music turning what could have been a passive show into an immersive experience. Viewers sat so close to the runway that flowing fabric brushed against their knees, and light projections transformed the space, bringing images of nature into stark contrast with the austere space and sharp looks.
Despite the DIY nature that can usually be expected of such people-led productions — plus support from the City of Austin Economic Development Fund — this was a professional venture through and through. (Anyone who habitually goes to queer-produced events knows how frequently all reasonable expectations for production value are exceeded.)
“The show was a production value that I've never been a part of before," one model, identified only as Dawn, said in a release. The models, hand-picked by the designers for their relevance in music, drag, and burlesque, only wore one look each.
"I was so happy that queerness was showcased in a way that didn't feel tokenized," Dawn continued. "That is what made the show fierce. This is just the start; For my drag sisters, it has opened doors for us to be taken seriously as models. It’s what we need.”
The three designers walked CultureMap through two of their designs, each.
Dashe by Danielle Shepherd
Designer, Dashe, Bloodbath Studio, co-producer and co-creative director of "Veneration"
“My work usually revolves around the overlap of Austin music, radical femininity, and queer underground culture. This collaboration meant a lot to me because it checked all the boxes: Community involvement, high quality art, and a potential for growth.”
Works in this collection were notable for their strong textures: Feathers made several appearances, and some pieces even took sculptural forms with neutral-colored floral embellishments.
Photo by Brittany NO FOMO. Model: Vivienne @vivienneonline
Photo by Dé Randle. Model: Alexandra S. @poolside.chacos
Alive by Benjamin Medina
Designer, Alive by Benjamin, co-creative director of "Veneration"
“My collection was inspired by the unheard voices of intersectional perspectives. Identity like this is very polarizing, and I wanted to celebrate every shape and every feeling possible. We wanted the VENERATION show to resemble the human experience. Unfiltered, uncomfortable and very beautiful.”
This collection features simple, contemporary designs with a twist. Not quite casual and not so avant-guard as to be stuck forever on the runway, these looks create a character who may show up to the same event as any Austinite, but devastatingly outdress them.
Photo by @colorsxj. Model: Dior Diet @d102d137
Photo by Dé Randle. Model: Alexander Longoria @alexanderlongoriaa
Flamer by Navarr Gonzales
Designer, Flamer, co-creative director of "Veneration"
"This year Flamer pushed the envelope with a sensual collection. Designers worked closely with production, which tested our values on trust, respect, and persistence. These values were funneled down to every team member on set pre- and post-production. This year the 'Veneration' production immediately set [the[ standard for creatives in Texas that would allow them to produce with no bounds."
These bold designs match Gonzales' bold words, with lots of skin and strappy materials. These club-ready (or dungeon-ready) designs reflect the BDSM inspiration the show uses as a touchpoint, and make no mistake about who the show is meant to represent.
Photo by Brittany NO FOMO. Model: Shayla Shimmy @highfemmestarlet
Photo by Brittany NO FOMO. Model: Kylie Gorgeous @kyliegorgeousdlux
