2025 CALL FOR DESIGNERS

STEP RIGHT UP AND JOIN THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Part artistic spectacle, part fashion show, part underground ball—ALTBALL is a unique creative showcase that is both *of* the community and *for* the community.

For over 35 years, DOORWAYS has provided emergency housing and supportive services for individuals living with HIV in St. Louis and across Missouri and Illinois. Each year DOORWAYS’ programs serve over 3,000 clients facing homelessness and poverty with wrap-around services to stabilize and rebuild their lives.

ALTBALL celebrates the strength, resilience and beauty of this community—demonstrating what’s possible when everyone is free to be and express themselves at the height of their potential. Designers, artists, drag queens, circus performers, ballroom legends and community leaders will showcase inspired avant-garde creations on the runway while raising funds for DOORWAYS’ programs.

It’s going to be a thrilling creative showcase, bringing our local community together to celebrate an evening of fashion and performance in support of critical work. We’re honored to welcome a diverse group of designers and artists that will make ALTBALL a success.

Interested in participating? Read on for all the details—and be sure to fill out the Designer Questionnaire below to be considered for this year’s event.

2025 THEME: RINGLEADER

Following a wildly-successful inaugural year, ALTBALL is thrilled to be moving to a bigger stage for our 2025 event: The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District.

Built in Italy by two of the world’s premier manufacturers, the tent is designed to showcase a real main event—featuring state-of-the-art sound, lights, rigging and video fit for world-class productions.

And we’re leaning all the way in, creating an elevated circus experience for attendees and a theme that will inspire talent to showcase truly surprising and alluring creations.

RINGLEADER will conjure vintage French cirque and inject it with the avant-garde energy of queer club kid expression. View the moodboard to catch the vibes.

DETAILS

WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S THEME ALL ABOUT?

DOORWAYS’ mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by HIV, illness and poverty—advancing their stability and well-being through housing, health and hope.

All too often, those living with HIV have been cast in role similar to the sideshow performer: as spectacles on the fringes, their humanity obscured by labels and misconceptions. Ridiculed for their differences, unfairly ostracized, constantly navigating a tightrope of stigma, fear and misunderstanding.

Yet like the most captivating circus acts, DOORWAYS’ clients possess a resilience and strength that—if truly seen—can transform onlookers from gawkers to admirers. RINGLEADER puts this strength on display at the center of the ring, demonstrating what’s possible when everyone is free to be and express themselves at the height of their potential.

SO WHAT KIND OF LOOKS ARE YOU AFTER?

By way of style, ALTBALL draws inspiration from international fashion houses, Club Kids and underground ball culture alike. Translation: this is an opportunity to go big, over-the-top, or avant-garde. We’re looking for a diverse set of artists to surprise attendees with distinct and standout looks that may not fit the mold of a traditional runway.

Designs may be for any gender expression and are not limited to a particular form—so long as it’s fit for a ball, hunty.

DO I HAVE TO USE UNCONVENTIONAL MATERIALS?

While the theme of our inaugural ball centered around unconventional materials, the sky’s the limit this year. There are NO requirements regarding materials or construction.

HOW MANY LOOKS CAN I SHOW?

Each creative team is expected to design at least one look to be presented on the runway—but can present up to three, if desired. (The ALTBALL team will confirm upon acceptance.)

WILL ALTBALL PROVIDE MODELS?

Yes—the ALTBALL team will pair designers with incredible models ready to serve a truly performative runway: dancers, queens, ballroom legends. (Model matching will be completed in December.) You may also opt to work with your own models, with confirmation from the ALTBALL team to ensure a cohesive runway.

IS THIS A JUDGED COMPETITION?

First and foremost, this is a showcase of what our community is capable of… but it is a ball and greatness will indeed be celebrated! A panel of judges will assess each look and presentation. Awards for top design and runway—inclusive of a cash prize—will be recognized at the event.

ARE STIPENDS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE?

Despite being a charitable event, we’re fiercely committed to ensuring that ALTBALL is accessible and recognizes creatives for their work. Stipends will be made available for any design team whose participation would benefit—and we will also be making additional resources (e.g. studio/equipment access, materials) available to participating designers.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?

  • Complimentary model(s)—or you may provide your own

  • Complimentary hair and makeup for your model(s)

  • Professional photographs of your look(s)—with full usage rights

  • Two additional GA tickets to the show for attendees

  • Invite to the ALTBALL kickoff party and hosted happy hours

KEY DATES

Please review the following dates to ensure they align with your schedule before committing to participate.

  • OCTOBER 15: Designer Call Opens

  • NOVEMBER 22: Designer Call Closes

  • DECEMBER 6: Designers Confirmed

  • DECEMBER: Model Call + Matching

    • We’ll present interested model profiles to accepted designers and work to match based on needs, concepts and preferences.

  • JANUARY: Kickoff Cocktail Party

  • FEB–MAR: Various Resource Meetups (e.g. materials shopping, studio space)

  • APRIL 15: Looks Locked

    • We love a make-it-work moment, but this ain’t it. We’ll be setting HMU needs and prepping production descriptions for designers + looks well in advance of the main event, so require clarity by mid-April to ensure a smooth showcase.

  • MAY 14: Event Run-Through @ The Big Top (Evening, time TBD)

  • MAY 15: The Main Event — ALTBALL 2025 (Doors @ 6p, Runway @ 8p. Model call times to begin early afternoon.)

DESIGNER QUESTIONNAIRE

Ready to join the troupe? Complete the following questionnaire by November 22.

Questions?

Reach out to us at ALTBALL@doorwayshousing.org at any point to discuss.