In 2023, I established The Haus of Schiaparelli, a kiki house and collective which pushes the boundaries of artistry and self discovery while looking to the rich tradition of Ballroom. Named after the legendary fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde designs and fearless approach to fashion, the Haus of Schiaparelli draws inspiration from her audacity and flair. The creation of the House marks a historic event in Irish LGBTQ+ history, as it is verifiably the first Black led and centered House to organise a Ball on the island of Ireland, and one of the first Houses to throw a Ball on the island of Ireland generally.

The Haus of Schiaparelli hopes to continue this centering of Queer Trans People of Colour (“QTPOC”), the descendants and founders of Ballroom, by working with Black Irish queer communities and talent translocally. While controversial, the House is also leading the charge on cultivating a distinctly Irish Ballroom scene that is meaningful to Irish people while being connected to broader international Ballroom community. As a new Haus, we aim to offer a space for queer folks to find social support, to kiki, and to grow both within and beyond Ballroom.

The collective successfully hosted the First Ball of the Season: Royalty, with the support of Outhouse, and private funders in 2023.