Pride of place in a silver lining

— a photo essay, South Beach (Miami) Esme Hotel Drag Brunch

A glorious Saturday, joyfully spent with my dear client Eric, in South Beach Miami, as we took in all of the pleasures & poses that was one of the pride weekend’s celebrations — the debut Drag Brunch at Esme Hotel in the Art Deco quarter.

NOTE: all photos were taken with permission by all parties involved. Ass shots and all.

Esme Hotel, South Miami, Art Deco / Cuban quarter. THE place to be.

I mean, for people who work in beauty technology, I reckon we look the part right here. I loved that Eric was kind enough to tell me every time the red lipstick ended up on my teeth (or nose as the night progressed). Hot mess!

It’s hard to believe now — though I have the constant reminder in my voice that has altered entirely (nodules on the chords)— that only a few weeks ago I was suffering terribly from re-infection of Covid. But, I personally believe in silver linings and making lemons out of lemonade — so a rearrangement of my travel plans to begin in Miami to see Eric and enjoy a few extra days recuperating in the sun before the chaos of NYC, turned out to be somewhat of a genius plan. To unintentionally land here during the Pride Festival, was an unexpected twist of delight and one that has given me memories that will last forever, but also precious time with someone who I have only ever zoomed with for two years. Nothing beats hilarity to build a friendship within a business relationship.

First of all, let me set the scene…

He runs the world. Or he might refer to it as the Global Strategy & Innovation for Aveda, Estee Lauder. I couldn’t ask for a better advocate for our Powered by Flossie business, but also one that challenges us in all the ways that are fantastic. Plus, he’s a lot of fun — and getting to know that about him has been a trip highlight.

After our warm-up work lunch where we traversed all the possible subjects that zoom just was never going to afford us, I boldly asked him to the pride lunch my hotel was putting on. I mean, who can turn down an invite to a Drag Brunch — especially in South Miami.

Our host…CC Glitzer, the German Queen, an icon on the rise — she was LIT and hilarious. What a dame.

She was joined by the delightfully versatile and extremely flexible Jah’Syra who absolutely slayed. The make up, the hair, the moves, the outfit changes, the ass on her — but also, most importantly — that smile. Love at first sight.

I really need to lay off the guacamole.

“This old thing? Something I found in the back of the wardrobe, just threw it on. You like?“

The mood was total fire.

Even when the wig came off, and so did most of the garments — she just kept on keeping on and I love how the $1 bill stuck to her very fine butt in just the right moment.

Who me? Butter wouldn’t melt…

If you want to see just how low she can go — check out this little video of the exceptional splits she can pull off. I mean, honestly, it was next level.

Introducing…

…the incomparable, divine Miss Erika Norell. How she didn’t get that amazing red glitter lipstick on her nose and teeth is beyond me. I might need tips. Whatever the staying power was, I need that in my life. Plus that whole outfit would be right at home in Piha. We are definitely going to be putting on a drag brunch soon, Piha needs more pride.

Glitter like a diamond. Grace, joy, sex appeal — they had it ALL.

Miss Tayanna Love was a crowd favourite, she could shake a booty like I’ve never seen. Those EARRINGS.

The crowd was invited to get amongst it and strut the runway with their own brand of glam. I loved this guys brazen throw down.

Hot. Hot. Hot.

Unapologetically 100% pride, pure fucking pride. Here for it.

I was sad to not capture our beautiful waitress in full beam (it was a rare moment!)— I swear I’ve never seen a more beautiful smile in my life.

The crew hosting the event were generous, kind, totally into it and amazingly friendly. DJ Aural Fixation pumped out some BANGERS.

The face of pure joy. God I love his smile.

Smiles for miles.

So much love.

So much friendship.

The chefs, the bar crew — they put in a huge effort and it was brilliant. Well done crew on the hard work under increasingly trying conditions.

A celebratory drink and round of applause for the organiser of the event, Jessica.

Here’s to this beautiful mum, with her gorgeous little boy in tow who I just know is going to grow up to be the best kind of inclusive human being. Go mum. Here’s to you.

Finally, a little video of Tayanna in action….

What a glorious day, it makes it all worth while. A silver lining, a moment I would have missed had the universe not lined up as it did. Gotta roll with it, right?

As a bi-sexual woman who has “grown up” very vanilla and discouraged on my sexuality, the feeling of ‘home’ always comes to me with these events. It’s taken nearly 44 years but now I feel so welcome, entirely at home within myself, comfortable in my own skin and know that in my next life I am coming back as a Queen. Isn’t that right, Miss Arabia? I wished you were here all day long.

The look of a girl in her total element.

We rounded our day out with a little wind down drink and met this little cutie. I love that dogs are welcome everywhere, hotels, restaurants, planes…

My summary: South Miami rocks. Put it on your bucket list. Come for the party, make random friends, try all of the delights and soak up the ‘you do you’ vibe. Leave your preconceptions at home, bring your dancing flats.

Thanks Eric, next time we are hosting YOU in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

xx

Next essay, I promise, will be the art deco / architecture scene. x