THE IMPETUS ALTERNATIVE MISS LONDON 2019

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

From Left to Right
Alternative Miss London 2018, Miss Nicole Williams
Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto

On the 28th of September this year, the 26th anniversary catwalk contest of the WayOut Club entitled Miss Alternative London took place at the Minories in London, United Kingdom. It was organised by the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee and bolstered by her closest hard working collaborators. They produced a dazzling spectacle which was attended by a swarm of LGBTQIA+ community members, admirers and compatible people. Kindly click the links beneath for supplementary and underpinning information,

https://quidnuncqueen.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-wayout-club-alternative-miss-london.html

https://quidnuncqueen.blogspot.com/2017/10/alternative-miss-london-2017.html

https://quidnuncqueen.blogspot.com/2019/08/alternative-miss-london-who-will-wear.html

The Alternative Miss London 2019 took place late at night. Taking part was a set of eager and flambouyant hopefuls. Generally speaking, each contestant had the opportunity to don herself in 3 categorised semblances. One by one they walked onto the improvised red carpet that was fastened and placed on the dance floor. They emerged from their tightly secured dressing room and swung around in front of the jury and the frisky crowd. Yes, there was "red ceremonial carpet" with crowd control stanchions that provided an unrestricted space for each contestant to prance back & forth. This was the replacement for the conventional and demountable 12-foot long platform stage with LED lights on the dance floor. Personally speaking, it was an avant-garde undertaking and a brilliantlly embracing arrangement!

Miss Nicole Williams and 
Contestant Number 1, Miss Iwa Moto

Miss Geri Love and
Contestant Number 2, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong

Miss Vicky Lee and 
Contestant Number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata

Contestant Number 4, Miss Jolie Cooper
and Miss Geri Love

Photo courtesy of Miss Geyzhel Sparkes' Facebook account

During the event, the familiar and sophisticated Miss Alexandra Marie Diaz who has been single- handedly hosting the event since 2014 was unable to attend due to personal commitments. That is why, the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee stepped into her shoes and delivered the affairs with aplomb. When Miss Vicky began holding the floor, signalling the start of proceedings for the contest, she called upon the presence of Miss Geyzhel Sparke to express her gratitude for her invaluable support and reinforcement. Thereafter, the members of the jury and the tabulator were introduced beginning with Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels of Ted's Place; Doctor Woof of X Factor 2017 and the 'Cancer is a Drag' ambassador; the multi pageant title holder, Miss SaHHara; Miss Alex Ceciliato of Roma TV/TS Party in London and Lesly, the proficient recorder of the scores. They were all stationed on a roomy elevated section of the dance floor rather than the regular cramming spot with closed proximity to the conventional platform stage. Personally speaking, this change of layout was a wise plan as the members of the jury could attentively see and clearly view each contestant's creativity, seductiveness and elegance.

Miss Geyzhel Sparkes 
and Miss Vicky Lee

From Left to Right

Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels
Doctor Woof
Miss SaHHara
Miss Alex Ceciliato

Without further ado, here are the contestants wearing their first semblance on the red carpet. It's their scintillating CREATIVE COSTUMES which were carefully remodelled.

After the appearance of the last contestant, Miss Jolie Cooper, the red carpet was then taken over by Miss Vicky Lee. After emphasizing the resourcefulness of the candidates and appreciating the ecstatic numbers of people, a first intermission number from the Dragqueen Showgirl Entertainer, Katt Kitten, took place. She invigorated the crowd with her vocal version of the late Whitney Houston's “Queen of the Night”.

The contestants dressing room door opened for the second category, SEXY COSTUME, and contestant number 1, Miss Iwa Moto, emanated wearing her evoking ensemble. In this category, the eagle eyed crowd witnessed an on cloud nine mutual promise of a later marriage to contestant number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata. After she won the hearts of everybody, especially her handsome boyfriend, she was named the Queen of Hearts during the proclamation of AML 2019 runners-up and the reigning Queen .

Miss Vicky Lee chatting to Miss Tiana Delosata and her Fiancé

For the verve in the crowd to sustain, Miss Geyzhel Sparkes lifted up her voice. She supplemented the crowd with her glamorous boogie rendition of “Aint Nobody (Loves Me Better)” song by Jasmine Thompson.

Miss Geyzhel's delivered number gave sufficient time for the contestants to glamorously restyle themselves. Each winsomely came into the light wearing monochromatic serpentine floor length EVENING GOWNS. Additionally, this was when the common question, “What is your wish for the World?”, was asked by Miss Vicky Lee to each contestant and their prepared written answers were also articulated by her. I have to say that contestant number 2, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong, was very coquettish in her embellished fringe sleeves see-through appliqué evening gown.

It was already in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd's peppy energy was still ascending. More so, when the “phoenix” urban pop singer, Miss Geri Love, influenced the dance floor with her “Love You Like A Love Song” by Selena Gomez.

What an ignitable emote voice Miss Geri has. Actually, her performance didn't just earn applause but also drew in a generous benefactor. After her bouncy performance, the 2018 Queen of Alternative Miss London, Miss Nicole Williams, was called upon by Miss Vicky Lee for her short and sweet farewell message. A finesse Queen who was very classy and stylish in her all pearly white motif.

Thenceforth, the Alternative Miss London 2019 runners-up and the Queen were declared by unanimous decision. To be more specific, the winner (runners-up and the Queen) was individually announced and called on to the red carpet to exclusively hold the spotlight and cherish her victory.  

From Left to Right

Miss Vicky Lee
Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto
1st Runner- up, Miss Jolie Cooper
2nd Runner- up, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong
Miss Geyzhel Sparkes

From Left to Right

Queen of Birmingham, Miss Dayanara Mesmeize
Miss Tiana Delosata's Fiancé
Alternative Miss London 2018, Miss Nicole Williams
Alternative Miss London 2019 Queen of Hearts, Miss Tiana Delosata
Miss Mikaella Jane Attay

The Alternative Miss London 2019 catwalk contest may not have acquired a large numbers of contestants. However, the overall outcome- from night until the wee hours of the morning- had an affable & engaging feeling and more importantly, it filled the stomping ground with love. Not to mention, the battle of the contestants for the coveted crown/title was compassionate and never overshadowed by a pernicious strife!

ALTERNATIVE MISS LONDON: WHO WILL WEAR THE 2019 CROWN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Poster courtesy of
Alternative Miss London- WayOut Club's Facebook page

In 1993, the WayOut Club was founded and formed by Miss Vicky Lee and Stephan Whitffield. For the past years to date, the venue for this regular Saturday nightclub at the Minories in London has been operating for and welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community members; their admirers and compatible people. The club at the Minories in London is a comforting place which has a modernised heated beer garden; indoor drinking space; a fair-sized dance floor and security bouncers. Moreover, it has been operating as the main venue for the WayOut Club's annual catwalk contest entitled Alternative Miss London. 

Historically speaking, the Alternative Miss London event was created/founded in 1992 by the late co-founder and performer extraordinaire, Stephan Whitfield. Ever since then, this catwalk contest at the the WayOut Club has been the core eye-opener in sharing and unfolding its mission in London and beyond. It has been essentially showing how naturally beautiful, resourcefully creative and innately intelligent the transgender, transitioning and in full bloom, women are on and off stage.

The search is on...

Photo courtesy of Geyzhel Sparkes' Facebook account
From Left to Right
2nd Runner-up, Miss Clara Clyd Cosning
Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Nicole Williams
1st Runner-up, Miss Iwa Moto 

Who will succeed the current title holder, Miss Nicole Williams? In particular, who amongst the unnamed contestants will favourably deserve to wear the Alternative Miss London 2019 crown?

Photo courtesy of Nicole Williams'' Facebook account

Photo courtesy of Nicole Williams'' Facebook account

For the past weeks to date, Miss Vicky Lee and her supportive family have been updating their social media accounts for the approaching 26th year anniversary of Alternative Miss London. An annual night catwalk contest for the beguiling candidates who will stupefyingly appear and swagger on stage. More importantly, it will become a significant show of remembrance to the founder and performer extraordinaire, Stephan Whitfield.

If you are interested in being one of the “icing on the cake” contestants, don't hesitate to send a message of interest onto the following accounts: 

https://www.facebook.com/vicky.leewayout 

https://www.facebook.com/Vicky.Lee.at.WayOut 

https://www.facebook.com/giizparks 

This coming 28th of September, the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee and her hard working family cordially invite us all to witness and be enchanted by the beauty of the desirous candidates as well as their leading-edge performances on stage. 

This year's Alternative Miss London will be held at The Minories located at 64-73 Minories, London EC3N 1JL. A traditional pub with beer garden and less than a minute walk from Tower Hill Underground Station. Here is the link of its location for your reference and courtesy of http://www.thewayoutclub.com, 

THE MINORIES AREA MAP 

The night at the Minories will undoubtedly teem with individuals who have been courageously embracing their true gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientation. Its because, the WayOut Club- with the unceasing succour from the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee- has been the flambeau home for those struggling with anxieties and who are fearlessly proud in expressing themselves.

THE WAYOUT CLUB AT 2AD

by:  MisS VictoriA DaviD

Almost 11 P.M...

The wild condition of the wind outside had already calmed and settled down while most streets became taciturn and dull. This was the tune of the surroundings when we stepped-out of our room and walked to The WayOut Club. But that night, it wasn’t at Crosswall!

That night, the quietness of the streets emphasized the clicking sound of my heels. It was an ear-popping sound which bounced off the walls of buildings as we passed. Each alley was cloaked in silence, enough for me to feel a little anxious. However, the street lamps as well as the other clubbers gave us a feeling of safety.

( CLICK to enlarge )

We were almost there at the new location and could even see outside the club the resplendent lights and the colourful six foot notice board printed on canvas. We were like fireflies attracted and charmed by its glimmering portal. The new venue was called 2AD at 2 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2HT and it was at the centre of a modern low-rised building.

We entered the hallway which led us to an elevated reception area. And after paying the entrance fee, a changing room and cloakroom on the right side was visible and just waiting to be used by excited customers. It was literally a changing room especially allocated for those who want to use all their skills to make themselves even more beautiful before dashing and showing themselves on the dance floor.

We moved ahead and down a wooden staircases with a landing half way. This guided us to the underground level where we found the main venue and dance floor. At the end of the staircase, we saw a wooden cushioned sofa with a framed rectangular mirror above it and next to it was Miss Vicky Lee with a table bursting with glasses of champagne. We were greeted by her and offered a free glass of sparkling wine before entering the doorway going to the main venue. The first thing we encountered was the bar, which was already taking orders from customers.

We sat on one of their sofas and the club was very loose and relaxed. And if I'm not mistaken, there were more than 20 people at that time including us who were enjoying and observing each other.

I was new to the place and naturally, very curious. That is why, I nosed around and found out that the dance floor and the stage was placed at the far end of the room and had two types of built-in seats. To be more specific, the dance floor was on the left side of the bar and away from the other 4 sets of sofas near the doorway. I even checked the ladies toilet and was surprised to discover the extra feature inside. A huge set of wall fitted mirrors, commonly used and found in most gyms, were on the left side. Most useful and welcome for all glamorous and conscious women who love checking their selves from time to time. Actually, I was one of those women who found the mirror alluring after flushing the loo!

I went back to my seat and in less than 30 minutes, customers were arriving in flocks; some just individuals and others in boisterous groups. And that was also the time I recognized familiar faces. Amongst them was Vany Lacsamana who looked stunning in her cream coloured midi vest body con dress; approachable Isabelle Cortez who was sophisticated in her all black outfit and Jill Del Valle who wore an orange one shoulder, above - the - knee dress which made her skin tone more vibrant. Alongside were Maria Alma Mae Conde who was luminous in her Miss Sixty stripe body con mini dress.

( CLICK photos to enlarge )

It didn’t end with them only as another group of lovely women appeared just before the club was becoming more crowded. Namely, Samantha Jade who looked foxy and seductive in her fringe; the modest and demure AJ Mendoza; the amusing Liandra Gandara who looked sexy in her white skinny jeans; the colourful Miss Mitchsimone Thomas who greeted me with an amiable smile and the assertive Miss Abby Tolentino.

When the clock was heading to the wee small hours, guest performers such as Miss Dee Chanelle, Alexis Mendoza and Silver Summers started to energise the dance floor. With what? Nothing else but with their own versions of reinvigorating boogie songs. They were great singers with charming voices who insisted that the crowd would sing and dance with them, while belting out on stage. All I can say was, they controlled and rocked the dance floor!

( CLICK photos to enlarge )

While everybody was still perky and at their height of excitement on the dance floor, we decided to go outside for a breath of fresh air. Standing in front of the building we felt the cold early morning breeze on our skin. While we were still there, I noticed by chance that the lights from the club irradiated the dark street. The silence was broken by the chatting from other customers which disturbed the tranquillity.

We couldn't stand the cold any longer and that's the time we decided to go back downstairs to warm ourselves again. And after almost 30 minutes of enjoying to the fullest the ambiance downstairs, Ash and I went back home with big smiles on our faces.

Aside from having a great night at The WayOut Club, I loved also the new venue's arrangement of the dance floor and the centre stage. They may not be at the centre like at Crosswall but as positioned, it gave all of us who stayed mostly in front of the bar a good chance to talk without the need to maximizing our voices. The guest singers could perform making all those on the dance floor lively and active, but also we could enjoy a conversation. Which is, in my opinion, like staying in a bar or restaurant with buoyant background musics being played.

I honestly had an ecstatic time and was very pleased we planned our visit to The WayOut Club's new venue.

*All Photographs Courtesy of Ricky Dixon