Inside Marco Marco’s All-Trans Runway: A Landmark NYFW Moment
Marco Marco shattered barriers with a groundbreaking all-transgender model lineup at New York Fashion Week—here’s why it matters.
Breaking Barriers: Marco Marco’s Historic All-Transgender Runway Show
In a moment that signaled a seismic shift for both fashion and the cultural conversation around gender inclusivity, designer Marco Morante—founder of the Los Angeles-based label Marco Marco—presented a New York Fashion Week (NYFW) runway show unlike any before. Rather than conforming to restrictive industry norms, Marco Marco’s latest collection was modeled exclusively by 34 openly transgender models, marking a rare and monumental moment in one of the industry’s most high-profile venues.
This wasn’t just about making a fashion statement. The show served as a bold celebration of trans visibility, empowerment, and authentic representation—showcasing the extraordinary beauty, talent, and complexity of transgender individuals on one of the world’s most iconic fashion stages.
Why Is This Runway So Important?
- It’s believed to be the first major NYFW show to feature only transgender models, bringing trans beauty to the forefront on a global platform.
- Challenges fashion’s historic exclusivity by offering visible, undeniable proof that diversity is not a trend but a necessity.
- Amplifies the #TransIsBeautiful movement, initiated by activist Laverne Cox in 2015, as a rallying call to celebrate and uplift trans bodies and narratives among mainstream audiences.
The Vision of Marco Morante
At the heart of the show is Marco Morante’s long-standing commitment to authentic LGBTQ visibility. For over 16 years in costume and fashion design, Morante has drawn from his personal journey and the inspiration of queer and trans communities.
“I wanted to create a space to celebrate trans bodies,” Morante said, emphasizing the show was not just about fashion but also about reinforcing the idea that trans is beautiful.
Morante’s approach goes far beyond tokenism. In an industry often accused of surface-level diversity, he insisted on a platform where trans models’ presence would be “undeniable“—fundamentally challenging perceptions of beauty, gender, and worth.
Meet the Stars: A Who’s-Who of Trans Excellence
The runway’s impact was supercharged by a cross-section of high-profile transgender icons as well as emerging voices in the community. Some of the most notable figures included:
- Gigi Gorgeous, YouTube star and influencer, who wowed in a metallic mini skirt and sheer-detailed black top.
- Trace Lysette, acclaimed actress from Amazon’s Transparent, who shared her pride on social platforms, proclaiming, “I love my thickness. Thanks Marco Marco for embracing all types of beauty.”
- Dominique Jackson and Angelica Ross from FX’s Pose, both celebrated for their activism and artistic impact.
- Carmen Carrera, Geena Rocero, Hanson Gobron, Aydian Dowling, and Laith Ashley—a model, singer, and outspoken advocate for trans rights.
Each model brought their own story, style, and unique personality, contributing to an atmosphere bursting with vibrancy and authenticity. The collective effect challenged normativity and instead highlighted that beauty, strength, and presence exist beyond the boundaries the industry has historically imposed.
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Fashion as Activism: More Than Just Clothing
The Marco Marco show was a statement far bigger than the clothes themselves. It served as a pointed critique of industry practices, where cisgender standards of beauty and body have dominated, often at the expense of marginalized and underrepresented identities.
Morante’s own words capture the show’s spirit: “Visibility is so important, but often diversity in the mainstream can seem tokenistic. I wanted to create a space to celebrate trans bodies…to reinforce that #transisbeautiful.”
The event also illuminated a broader industry trend—wherein androgyny and trans bodies are sometimes exploited as passing trends or fetishized for profit without genuine investment in trans lives or culture—an issue Morante acknowledged while reflecting on his responsibilities as a designer.
Key Issues the Show Addressed
- How fashion can move beyond tokenism to authentic inclusion.
- The myths around industry “standards” of size, beauty, and gender.
- The urgent need for real opportunities and respect for LGBTQ and trans creators.
- The pushback against “corporatized” and fast fashion’s surface-level representation.
The Models’ Voices: Redefining Industry Standards
Many models used the moment to speak out. Trace Lysette highlighted how her measurements—once seen as a barrier—were finally embraced, signaling a pivotal shift in what fashion considers beautiful. Other figures lauded Marco Marco for recognizing and celebrating the breadth of bodies and stories present in the trans community.
Social media amplified these narratives, with the hashtag #TransIsBeautiful trending and drawing the support of icons like Laverne Cox, who called the show “yet another fulfillment of the empowerment of trans beauty.”
Audience and Community Reactions
The response to Marco Marco’s all-trans runway was one of overwhelming affirmation and emotional resonance. Live attendees, online viewers, and the wider LGBTQ community expressed gratitude for a “safe space” where trans visibility was both honored and celebrated on equal footing with traditional industry powerhouses.
- Attendees described the event as “historic” and “deeply moving.”
- Trans youth and allies widely shared clips and images from the show as a message of encouragement and hope.
- Fashion critics noted the shift towards embracing real-world authenticity as the industry’s new mode.
Behind the Scenes: Marco Morante on His Fashion Journey
Morante’s career began with costume design for entertainment shows and pop culture icons, including American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and concerts for top artists like Britney Spears. These experiences shaped his understanding of both the performative and deeply personal aspects of gender and identity in art and design.
He describes gender as an “aesthetic concept rather than a social construct,” drawing ongoing inspiration from subversive pop figures who blurred or transcended gender boundaries—such as Marlene Dietrich, Prince, and Boy George.
This sensibility—straddling playfulness, rebellion, and celebration—coursed through the Marco Marco runway, an intentional counterpoint to a business that often feels limited by its own traditionalism.
The Broader Fashion Context: Room for Growth
While trailblazing, Morante is clear-eyed about fashion’s ongoing challenges:
- Many segments of the industry still fail not only trans people but also queer, plus-size individuals, and people of color.
- Tokenistic casting—hiring one or two minority models for optics—remains widespread.
- True change necessitates ongoing effort, investment, and community-driven ethos, not one-off shows.
Morante is direct: “Trans life is not a trend and it will take more than my show to level the playing field.” Instead, he hopes this event inspires the industry to embrace lasting, systemic transformation.
Highlights on the Runway: Fashion, Self-Expression, and Artistry
Marco Marco’s collection burst with structural ingenuity, bold fabrications, and vibrant color. Each look was tailored to honor the individuality of the model wearing it. Outfits ranged from metallic mini dresses and edgy cut-outs to dynamic coordinated sets—pieces that insistently reframed who gets to be both muse and model in fashion’s imagination.
Accessories, makeup, and styling celebrated both the queer lineage of glamour and the modern urgency of authentic expression.
The Impact: Rethinking What “Fashion” Means
This NYFW show underscored a crucial evolution: fashion is moving towards diversity not by accident, but by necessity. The Marco Marco runway proves that uplifting marginalized voices doesn’t just challenge norms; it redefines luxury, creativity, and relevance for new generations of consumers and creators alike.
Key Takeaways from Marco Marco’s Runway
- Powerful visibility: Trans models found both solidarity and spotlight, fostering increased confidence among viewers worldwide.
- Authenticity over tokenism: The show prioritized narrative, storytelling, and experience over box-ticking diversity.
- Industry momentum: Media and public response show a rising appetite for substantive change—demanding inclusion, respect, and representation for all identities.
Table: Notable Participants in the Marco Marco All-Trans Runway
| Model Name | Profession | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gigi Gorgeous | Influencer, YouTube star | Walked in metallic mini skirt and sheer-detailed top |
| Trace Lysette | Actress | Quoted for embracing body positivity and non-standard sizing |
| Dominique Jackson | Actress, Advocate | Star of “Pose” |
| Angelica Ross | Actress, Entrepreneur | Also renowned for activism in tech and diversity |
| Carmen Carrera | Model, Actress | Visibility champion in fashion |
| Geena Rocero | Model, Activist | Advocate for trans rights through storytelling |
| Laith Ashley | Model, Singer | Vocal advocate for trans men in media |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Was this really the first all-transgender runway show at NYFW?
A: While Marco Marco’s 2018 show is widely recognized as the first major NYFW runway featuring only trans models, previous designers such as GoGo Graham have also organized all-trans model presentations at NYFW.
Q: Why is representation of trans models on major runways important?
A: It disrupts traditional beauty norms, offers positive visibility, helps combat discrimination, and provides crucial role models for trans youth and communities.
Q: Did Marco Marco only cast professional models?
A: The runway featured both seasoned professionals and trans advocates from diverse backgrounds, underscoring the scope of talent and experience within the trans community.
Q: How did the wider fashion industry and public respond?
A: The show was met with widespread celebration and positive media coverage, with many calling it a historic turning point for inclusion in fashion.
Q: What’s next for trans inclusion in fashion?
A: While the show was groundbreaking, ongoing efforts are needed. Industry leaders must commit to continued inclusion—not just on runways, but behind the scenes, in campaigns, and in leadership roles.
The Road Ahead: Towards True Industry Evolution
Marco Marco’s historic NYFW runway is an essential milestone—but it is only a beginning. The fashion world, with its declining reliance on dated “standards,” now faces both the possibility and responsibility of opening its doors to identities, bodies, and narratives that truly reflect the world’s beauty.
The enduring message of the show is clear: #TransIsBeautiful is not just a hashtag. It is a call to action—for designers, brands, and audiences alike—to embrace a more inclusive, compassionate, and creative vision for fashion’s future.
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