2026 CALL FOR MODELS

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.

It’s going to be a thrilling show—and models won’t just be walking a straight-faced catwalk. This is a performance. We’re looking for unique and energetic models, dancers, drag artists, ballroom icons and legends of all kinds to help command the runway.

Interested? Read on for details and apply below.

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 will 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 isn’t just about the look, but also the revolutionary spirit… the moment when an artist stepped on stage and said "this is also what beautiful can be." We’re looking to channel how these icons used fashion to challenge assumptions, bring visibility to invisible communities and usher the margins into the mainstream.

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.

SO WHAT KIND OF LOOKS WILL YOU BE SHOWING?

By way of style, ALTBALL draws inspiration from international fashion houses, music’s biggest stages 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.

HOW WILL YOU SELECT MODELS?

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

To note: the ALTBALL runway is a performance—so we’re looking for models ready to serve and have a good time. Professional modeling experience is NOT required; it you have dance, ballroom, drag or performance experience we’d love to know about it.

WILL MODELS BE PAID?

Despite being a charitable event, we’re fiercely committed to ensuring that ALTBALL is accessible and recognizes creatives for their work. Selected models will be paid an honorarium for their time ($100) and will also be free to utilize photo and video from the event with proper attribution.

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.

KEY DATES

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

NOVEMBER 4: Model Call Opens
NOVEMBER 30: Model Call Closes
DECEMBER: Model + Designer 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–APR: Creation (fittings with matched designers)
MAY 14: Rehearsal @ The Sovereign (Evening, time TBD)
MAY 15: The Main Event — ALTBALL 2026 (Doors @ 6p, Runway @ 8p. Model call times to begin early afternoon depending on HMU schedule)
MAY 16: ALTBALL Afterparty — Participants, partners and friends welcome