2026 CALL FOR DESIGNERS

LET’S MAKE SOME BEAUTIFUL NOISE

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.

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.

Interested in participating? Read on for all the details—and be sure to fill out the Designer Questionnaire below to be considered for this year’s event.

2026 THEME: ICON

Music's greatest acts have always known that the real performance starts with what you wear. They've turned fabric into manifestos, accessories into armor, runways into revolution. These artists haven’t just soundtracked our lives; they’ve given us permission to dress our dreams and reshaped convention from the outside in.

Designers should channel the boundary-pushing fashion of music’s iconoclasts—from the archives to today’s superstars—transforming clothing into statements of power, identity and pure artistic rebellion.

This is an opportunity to go big, monumental and avant garde… but we want designers to think beyond costume and interpret the deeper philosophy behind these iconic aesthetic choices. How did Little Richard's pompadour and makeup challenge 1950s masculinity? How did Sylvester's sequins and feathers create space for Black queer joy? How did k.d. lang's suits redefine what power looks like? How did David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona give permission for an entire generation to experiment with identity?

Designs should capture not just the look, but the revolutionary spirit—the moment when an artist stepped on stage and said "this is also what beautiful can be." Draw from iconic album covers, music videos, live performances, cultural moments and street style. Consider how these icons used fashion to challenge assumptions, bring visibility to invisible communities and usher the margins into the mainstream.

Some Inspiration

Draw from legends who defied societal rules:

  • David Bowie's kaleidoscopic personas that shattered the binary

  • Grace Jones' sculptural silhouettes that redefined strength

  • Sylvester's disco-ball magnificence that made glitter a form of resistance

  • Annie Lennox's sharp-suited androgyny that rewrote the power playbook

  • James Brown's cape-and-split dramatics that turned raw emotion into high theater

  • Madonna's cone bras and controversy that made provocation an art form

  • Michael Jackson's regalia and glove that transformed pop into pure spectacle

and today's boundary-pushers who carry the torch:

  • Doja Cat's otherworldly transformations from cow print to alien goddess

  • Lil Nas X's camp maximalism that turns every appearance into performance art

  • FKA twigs' ethereal futurism that makes fashion feel like sci-fi

  • Bad Bunny's fearless gender play that's redefining Latin masculinity

  • Billie Eilish's oversized armor that protects while it provokes

  • Harry Styles' vintage glamour that proves clothes have no gender

  • Solange's Afrofuturist elegance that celebrates Black joy and creativity

DETAILS

SO… WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S THEME ALL ABOUT?

DOORWAYS’ mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by HIV, illness and poverty—advancing their stability and well-being through housing, health and hope.

Just as music's greatest icons have used fashion to bring visibility to invisible communities and challenge society's assumptions about identity and belonging, DOORWAYS creates space for those who have all too often been marginalized and overlooked. With wrap-around services they transform lives by offering comprehensive support that allows participants to move from survival to stability, from isolation to community.

ALTBALL 2026 celebrates this fearless spirit—the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically at the height of their potential.

WHAT KIND OF LOOKS ARE YOU AFTER?

By way of style, ALTBALL draws inspiration from international fashion houses and underground ball culture alike. Translation: this is an opportunity to go big, over-the-top, or avant-garde. We’re looking for a diverse set of artists to surprise attendees with distinct and standout looks that may not fit the mold of a traditional runway.

Designs may be for any gender expression and are not limited to a particular form—so long as it’s fit for a ball, hunty.

DO I HAVE TO USE UNCONVENTIONAL MATERIALS?

While the theme of our inaugural ball centered around unconventional materials, the sky’s the limit this year. There are NO requirements regarding materials or construction.

HOW MANY LOOKS CAN I SHOW?

Each creative team is expected to design at least one look to be presented on the runway—but can present up to two if new to ALTBALL, or up to three if returning. (The ALTBALL team will confirm upon acceptance.)

WILL ALTBALL PROVIDE MODELS?

Yes—the ALTBALL team will pair designers with incredible models ready to serve a truly performative runway: dancers, queens, ballroom legends. (Model matching will be completed in December.) You may also opt to work with your own models, with confirmation from the ALTBALL team to ensure a cohesive runway.

IS THIS A JUDGED COMPETITION?

First and foremost, this is a showcase of what our community is capable of… but it is a ball and greatness will indeed be celebrated! A panel of judges will assess each look and presentation. Awards for top design and runway—inclusive of a cash prize—will be recognized at the event.

ARE STIPENDS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE?

Despite being a charitable event, we’re fiercely committed to ensuring that ALTBALL is accessible and recognizes creatives for their work. Stipends will be made available for any design team whose participation would benefit—and we will also be making additional resources (e.g. studio/equipment access, materials) available to participating designers.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?

  • Complimentary model(s)—or you may provide your own

  • Complimentary hair and makeup for your model(s)

  • Professional photographs of your look(s)—with full usage rights

  • Two additional GA tickets to the show for attendees

  • Invite to ALTBALL hosted events (partner kickoff, happy hours)

KEY DATES

Please review the following dates to ensure they align with your schedule before committing to participate.

  • OCTOBER 3: Designer Call Closes

  • OCTOBER 30: Designers Confirmed

  • NOV–DEC: Model Call + Matching

    • We’ll present interested model profiles to accepted designers and work to match based on needs, concepts and preferences.

  • JANUARY: Kickoff Cocktail Party

  • JAN–MAR: Various Resource Meetups (e.g. materials shopping, studio space)

  • APRIL 15: Looks Locked

    • We love a make-it-work moment, but this ain’t it. We’ll be setting HMU needs and prepping production descriptions for designers + looks well in advance of the main event, so require clarity by mid-April to ensure a smooth showcase.

  • MAY 14: Event Run-Through (Evening, TBD)

  • MAY 15: The Main Event — ALTBALL 2026 (Doors @ 6p, Runway @ 8p. Model call times to begin early afternoon)

DESIGNER QUESTIONNAIRE

Ready to join the most sickening showcase of the season? Complete the following questionnaire by October 3.

Questions?

Reach out to us at ALTBALL@doorwayshousing.org at any point to discuss.