EVENT REVIEW: Fashion Observations at Lychee Baybee
03.02.2023 at Phoenix Cabaret
This review is part of the Auckland Pride Review Project - a collaborative project between four local publications (Pantograph Punch, Theatrescenes, Bad Apple Gay and Rat World) to provide more critical discourse around queer theatre and performance work. We will be reviewing a range of shows throughout the month of Pride - so keep a look out and go support our local queer performers!
Photo Sourced from Auckland Pride Festival 2023
I went into Lychee Baybee without any previous knowledge on what the energy would be like, although in my heart I knew the vibes and aesthetics would be top tier. My fashion observations have always been that queer, BIPOC, and niche communities create majority of the creative trends. Whether it’s fashion, music, or other various artforms, non conformity will always be the beginning of a transformation. Trends tend to recycle themselves every few years or decades, which can be a cycle of change.
From the sexy Asian baddies to the cat girls going hard on the dance floor, I felt so blessed and comfortable to be surrounded by people of all different styles and tastes. Weirdo and freaky fashion is my favourite, so I especially appreciated the individuals that really dressed up for their inner child - from cat ears to hair buns to stickers and glitter. I’m also stoked that my inner child got to witness Lara Teresa Chuo (Drag Performer) perform the shit out of ‘The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku’! The second I heard the song, I ran to the front to dance my heart out, the split dyed wig and babydoll dress were almost too fitting for the song, and I think my heart definitely healed in some way watching this.
Photos by Angela Kong
While respectfully appreciating the androgynous Asian lesbians, I’ve observed a few trends. Baobei Label has all the girls in a chokehold, and I am here for it. The rise of chunky, versatile accessories are as functional as they are sexy. The mixture of chunky and delicate makes so much sense and balancing out your silhouette can be important for figuring out your proportions. Perhaps large cartoonish shoes paired with a tiny dainty skirt, creates the illusion of a real life Bratz doll! Another thing I noticed was layering. Super happy to see the use of layering in clubs.
The difference at queer bars and clubs compared to others, is that dressing up for other people is less prevalent - theres no one you’re trying to impress except yourself (and other sexy gays). Many queer people are open minded and love self confidence and passion. Style isn't about how good/aesthetic/expensive they dress, but it’s about the way someone is sure of themselves; they don't take themselves too seriously and are never afraid to grow their style. I know what attracts me to someone isn’t necessarily their style but how they use their style to show their interests, personality etc. A lot of people don’t dress to impress, yet there's something captivating about their presentation that pulls you in. And the queers that do dress to impress, do a good fucking job with it.
“Style isn't about how good/aesthetic/expensive they dress, but it’s about the way someone is sure of themselves; they don't take themselves too seriously and are never afraid to grow their style”
Cultural and western styles mixing up are sublime. So happy to see people at Lychee Baybee combining their unique aesthetics with parts of their culture. I wish I had seen more of this growing up so I could’ve decorated myself without shame, because dressing for yourself is the most important part of your style journey. A lovely Selena Chen (pictured, middle) provided details on her outfit: She explained the red dress made her look like a hóngbāo. She is also wearing her Taonga Pounamu jade necklace, which she loves not only because of her appreciation for Aotearoa, but also because jade is a Chinese stone as well, meaning to her on both spiritual levels. All while looking hot as hell.
Lychee baybee wasn’t as intense and overstimulating as I thought it would be. I had so much fun whilst never feeling overwhelmed, I had a pretty perfect mix of feeling social and comfortable. I usually feel this way in queer spaces. Although, in recent years it’s been more and more difficult to feel safe, even in queer spaces. Being a gender non conforming Chinese queer, I have to say that white supremacy is rooted in every type of system, even in queer spaces and minority communities.
“So happy to see people at Lychee Baybee combining their unique aesthetics with parts of their culture. I wish I had seen more of this growing up so I could’ve decorated myself without shame…”
All queer people need to feel safe, so it's incredible to see more and more of these BIPOC queer events popping up. I bring up these thoughts because fashion has to do with everything! Like most things in this world, fashion is a form of art. Politics, culture, sexuality and everything else important to us can be told in different artforms, or through fashion.
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Check out more about Lychee Baybee here!