At New York’s LadyLand Festival, the Stylish Party Looks Celebrated Queer Pride

Last night, as various Pride marches and parties occurred throughout New York City, an extremely fashion-minded queer crowd gathered Under the K Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. As a flurry of Ubers began rolling up to the industrial outdoor event space (held quite literally under a bridge), a number of guests—in their avant-garde outfits—began spilling out and making their grand entrances to the sceney LadyLand music festival, an annual event from New York nightlife fixture Ladyfag that celebrates Queer artists and the LGBTQ+ community at large.

This year, the two-day affair—which took place both Friday and Saturday night—featured headliners Cardi B and FKA twigs, as well as other performers such as Cobrah, Pabllo Vittar, Kevin Aviance, Eartheater, F5ve, and more. Cardi was sure to hype up the crowd with hits like “I Like It” and “Outside,” while twigs delivered an ethereal and poetic performance featuring songs off her new album, Eusexia.

FKA twigs

Photo: Caroline Xia

The party-ready looks in the crowds, meanwhile, served as a stylish display of queer pride. If today’s official NYC Pride March in the city revolvess around all things rainbows and glitter, the LadyLand dress code embodied a much edgier, downtown, and club-ready wardrobe. Attendees showed up and turned out in their cool, DIY’d designs that ranged from shredded knits and strappy bra tops to full-on embellished evening gowns paired with spiked necklaces and platform boots. There were no rigid fashion rules or uniforms to be found here: Guests were encouraged to simply come as they were, fostering a fun and safe space that is built on inclusivity and acceptance.

Photo: Caroline Xia

Photo: Caroline Xia

The need for an event like LadyLand is even more crucial in the current political climate. As the Trump administration continues to crack down on LGBTQ+ rights—from its rolling health care, sports, and military bans, gatherings such as the LadyLand festival offers a place for queer folks to feel seen—and to celebrate without fear. As performers hit the stages ready to get the crowd dialed up, showgoers could be spotted singing and dancing with their friends and loved ones close by—their flurry of high-fashion looks melding in the crowd to form one big sea of skin, sequins, and spikes. It made for one of the most inspiring fashion spaces of Pride Weekend, spotlighting creativity, individuality, and, frankly, pure unapologetic hotness.

Below, see more photos from the LadyLand music festival.