The Modern Day Club Kid: How To Dress, Act,and Feel Like a New York City Icon
Beyonce, The Box, and Susanne Bartsch. Griffin Maxwell Brooks reminds us:"never forget to slay!"
Griffin Maxwell Brooks works in drag and burlesque nightlight in New York City, and today they offer us a course in “dressing to impress… or shock!” After all, their “aesthetic is heavily inspired by the original club kids, with a modern, campy twist.” A queer content creator on both TikTok and Instagram, “my fashion and lifestyle is meant to subvert gender stereotypes and fashion norms by dressing in outlandish and impractical clothing wherever I go!” Here are their recommendations for building that skill.
Susanne Bartsch: On Top, on HBO.
She’s the person I work for, and her story and philosophy is fascinating!
The Box in NYC.
This is New York’s most exclusive club, so calling it a “hang out spot” is maybe a bit of a misnomer- but it’s a favorite of mine. A great place to dress to impress and celebrate queer art and performance.
Break my Soul by Beyoncé! The song of the summer, at least to me- hopefully you’ve already heard it. This came out right before NYC pride kicked into gear and I think I developed a fixation on it. The song, and upcoming album, is thematically a masterpiece, with its album art being reminiscent of the infamous white horse from studio 54, and its sounds heavily inspired by house, disco, and bounce music, popularized by NYC nightlife and the ballroom scene!
House of Trash in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This super small boutique in the heart of the Jersey Shore is a diamond in the rough. The owner, Joy, is a beautiful and iconic presence (and a Grace Jones super fan), and her curated collection of clothes and accessories have been the backbone of many of my iconic looks over the years. If you’re a Jersey girl, or someone with access to the area, give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed!
A Word of Advice: Buy a big, tall mirror, or look for one on the street and take it home. Every morning, you wake up, put on a silly goofy outfit that makes you feel special, look in the mirror, and tell yourself that you are iconic, unique, and perfect the way you are! Your self expression is your most valuable asset, so get out there and show the world what’s up!
