MAY 15, 2026 ・

THE SOVEREIGN ・

MAY 15, 2026 ・ THE SOVEREIGN ・

Thank you to all who joined us at ALTBALL 2025 to celebrate community with joy, absurdity and verve.

As spectacles go, we’re not sure if we could have asked for a better turnout or a better vibe. To our designers, models, and performers: bravo! To our sponsors, volunteers, and vendors: we couldn’t have done this without you. Together, we co-created a truly unforgettable evening.

And then, just one day later, the city of St. Louis experienced one of the most devastating tornadoes in recent memory. So many in our community were impacted and are still working to stabilize and rebuild.

While we’ll have plenty of opportunities to look back and celebrate all the brilliance on display at ALTBALL, this is a time for action. As you’re able, we encourage each of you to continue to support community repair efforts now and in the future in whichever ways are most meaningful to you.

ALTBALL PRESENTS

   ICON   

LET’S MAKE SOME BEAUTIFUL NOISE

MAY 15, 2026 ・ THE SOVEREIGN

Some of fashion's greatest moments have happened when musicians have used clothing as an instrument of rebellion, identity and liberation. From Bowie's gender-fluid glam to Grace Jones' architectural power, from Prince's purple flair to Annie Lennox's subversive androgyny—these artists didn't just make music, they created entire visual languages that challenged everything society thought it knew about identity, beauty and power.

ALTBALL 2026 will channel the fearless fashion of music’s cultural icons past and present who transform clothing into activism, armor and art. It will be an electrifying showcase of creativity and performance—all in support of critical work being done to support the most vulnerable in our community.

For over 35 years, DOORWAYS has provided emergency housing and supportive services for individuals affected by HIV, illness and poverty in St. Louis and across Missouri & Illinois. Each year DOORWAYS’ programs serve over 3,500 clients with wrap-around services to stabilize and rebuild their lives.

ALTBALL celebrates the strength, resilience and beauty of this community—demonstrating what’s possible when everyone is free to be and express themselves at the height of their potential. Designers, artists, drag queens, musical acts and ballroom legends will showcase avant-garde creations on the runway while raising funds for DOORWAYS’ programs.

Part artistic spectacle, part fashion show, part underground ball—ALTBALL is a unique creative showcase that is both *of* the community and *for* the community.

All proceeds to benefit the mission and programs of DOORWAYS—which improves the quality of life of people affected by HIV, illness, and poverty, advancing their stability and well-being through housing, health, and empowerment services.

FOR NEARLY FOUR DECADES DOORWAYS HAS PROVIDED clients HOUSING, HEALTH & HOPE

DOORWAYS, based in St. Louis, is dedicated to providing housing and supportive services for those in our community affected by HIV. Founded in 1988 as an interfaith organization offering hospice care at the height of the AIDS crisis, DOORWAYS’ programs have expanded to six platforms of housing services. Today, they serve over 3,500 individuals each year with emergency housing and supportive services across the St. Louis metro and MO/IL communities.

Their Annual Impact Report and other information outlining their work and impact can be found at doorwayshousing.org

SEE YOU ON THE RUNWAY

WANT TO PARTICIPATE in ALTBALL 2026?

DESIGNERS, PERFORMERS, MODELS & STYLISTS — STAY TUNED FOR APPLICATION DROPS TO JOIN US IN CREATING THE SEASON’S MOST SICKENING SHOWCASE