GREEN SCENE
Runways, and Fashion and Drag, Oh My!
Pittsburgh’s style scene is having a moment, and you’re invited to the front row!
By Gabby Pogel
May 8, 2025
On May 31, the New Hazlett Theater transforms into a catwalk-meets-clubhouse for Runways, and Fashion and Drag, Oh My!, an immersive night where sustainable fashion and fierce drag collide in an electrifying celebration of individuality, expression, and style.
At the heart of the evening is the debut of Tāk2, the latest collection from local designer Bradford Mumpower, a regular powerhouse behind the annual Ecolution Fashion Gala.
“I love designing and creating clothing, but the fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. It has always presented a conflict with my desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle,” said Mumpower. “Every piece that I am presenting in my new Tāk2 collection is made from discarded clothing.”
A quick peek at the evening:
- The party starts with drinks in the lobby and a food truck out front
- Then, sashay into the theater to the beats of DJ Mary Mack
- Enjoy OUTrageous drag performances followed by a runway show of Mumpower’s Tāk2 line of reclaimed, recycled and revamped fashion
- Upend your notions of style and streetwear and celebrate the full spectrum of gender, size and sass.
- Performances by Pittsburgh area drag legends include:
- Akasha L Van-Cartier
- Alexandria Star
- Belair Banks
- Catty Wampus
- Envy Sinn
- Leia Way Lestat
- Max Starvania
- Rebecca Mae,
- Savannah Ray
- Shea D’Heaux
- Tess Tickles
- Warren Munroe
- Zion Grindr
“5 years ago, I started exploring using fabrics made from recycled materials which then led me to start using discarded clothing to make something new,” said Mumpower. “All the drag performers will be wearing clothing from the runway show in their second numbers, to demonstrate how upcycled clothing can be an environmentally friendly alternative to the dominance of today's fast fashion.”
Like what you see? Order your own custom items and imagine yourself on the runway.
Meet Bradford Mumpower
Known for his thoughtful fusion of sustainability and streetwear, Bradford Mumpower’s work reimagines castoff denim, sweatshirts, and menswear into made-to-order pieces that are as provocative as they are personal.
Think: your favorite hoodie, reincarnated as a one-of-a-kind crop top. Or the jeans you wore out, reengineered into chaps, kilts, and skirts that dare you to dress with intention.
Runways, and Fashion and Drag, Oh My! More than a fashion show
The evening is an experience. The evening opens with food and drinks (Dos Reyes Food Truck and a full bar, naturally) and glides into the theater for a performance by ten dazzling drag performers, including both queens and kings, serving charisma, uniqueness, and high-concept glamor. Then, it’s time for the runway: 30 models of all shapes, sizes, and gender expressions will showcase the Tāk2 line, proving that high fashion doesn’t need to exclude real bodies or real comfort.
VIPs will be seated on the runway itself—or in the coveted first two rows—and will enjoy complimentary food and drink tickets.
General admission guests can purchase food and drinks throughout the night, with plenty of time to mingle, order, and even start designing their own dream outfit.
Following the show, guests will be able to pre-order custom pieces from the collection.
This event is part drag ball, part runway riot, and entirely Pittsburgh. It’s a bold nod to the city’s thriving creative community, and proof that sustainable fashion can be sexy, smart, and center stage.
Tickets ($40–$120) and full details are available at newhazletttheater.org/events/runways-and-fashion-and-drag-oh-my
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