Alexis Bittar SS26 Takes Us To 1991
Alexis Bittar captured the independent, horror-loving yet whimsical essence of the queer experience for Miss USA 1991. Casting all trans beauty queens to represent states where trans lives are put in danger by the stripping of their rights to exist, this collection sets itself up as social commentary which fashion, at its core, is.
COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
As much as being oneself is powerful, it also brings a sense of paranoia. Not all the world is welcoming, instead they are fearful. He found himself “…returning to [his] long-standing love of old cinema and surrealism.”
COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
Perfectly articulated, he explains further of the contestants, “…the innocents, who navigate through the impossible pressure of perfection, striving for the crown. Around them sits the masked audience, a reflection of the public—devouring, passively judging, complicit.”
Amara Gisele as Miss Florida, Miss Dylan as Miss Alabama, Efron Danzig as Miss Tennessee/ COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
Though the presentation was dream-like, it was real; an expression based in the reality of our world. Styled by Bernat Buscato, with make-up by Marieke Thibaut for MACcosmetics, and hair by Alaina Barnes for Aveda, we are transported into a nostalgic beauty world that is both bold and natural. The accessories weave together the sleek simplicity of early ’90s minimalism that is ever-present in today’s popular trends, and the vibrant extravagance that is inherent to the maximalism of the late ’80s. The pieces are bold, gold, beautiful, and uniquely crafted.
Gia Love as Miss Louisiana, Niko Haagenson as Miss Utah / COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
This is what fashion is about. At the center of the story is Nik Pjeternikaj as the Host, to portray unchecked patriarchy which we are all exposed to both consciously and subconsciously.
Tommy Dorfman as Miss West Virginia, Vivian Jenna Wilson as Miss South Carolina / COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
Perfectly themed and executed, Miss USA 1991 brought the drama and power to Alexis Bittar’s Spring/Summer 2026 Collection. Alexis Bittar played with contrast and distinction: structure fighting against fluidity, the stable and unstable, texture against control, and boldness in opposition with fragility, but all played together to form a most perfect union.
COURTESY OF ALEXIS BITTAR
The David Lynch and Carrie influence is apparent with the graphic, gold textured shapes that split the softness of the tableau’s created. Distinctly reminiscent of the early ’90s is the Lucite palette of soft sherbet tones of mauve and teal. The past and the present are explored in this memorable presentation with an inherent influence of the trans experience and very real existence.
Article by Seana Watson, Associate Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
*All images courtesy of ALEXIS BITTAR
MISS U S A 1991
"Sponsored by Alexis Bittar"
CAST
M i s s F l o r i d a | A m a r a G i s e l e
Miss Miss A l a b a m a | Miss D y l a n
Te n n e s s e e | E f r o n D a n z i g
Miss L o u i s i a n a | G i a L o v e
Miss Utah | Niko H a a g e n s o n
Miss We s t Virginia | T o m m y D o r f m a n
M i s s S o u t h C a r o l i n a | V i v i a n J e n n a W i l s o n
A p p l a u s e Host | Nik Pjeternikaj
S t a g e h a n d | J e f f r e y Koch
Directed & Produced by ALEXIS BITTAR
Styling | Bernat B u s c a t o
Choreography | Sarah Meahl
Music | Joseph Williams
Make Up | Marieke T h i b a u t for @ M A C c o s m e t i c s
H a i r | A l a i n a B a r n e s f o r A v e d a
P r o d u c t i o n | C.O'Neil P r o d u c t i o n s
WITH SPECIAL THANKS T O
M A C
ALL AGES. ALL RACES. ALL GENDERS.
Aveda, Albright Fashion Library
J o e & The Juice, B.F.A.,
The Dominick Hotel & Abrons Theater
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