Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the origins of Voguing with the indie documentary ‘Love is in the Legend.’ As FX’s ‘Pose’ thrust Voguing into the mainstream, Myra Lewis’s self-funded project takes us back to the pivotal 1988 event, ‘A Ball to Remember.’ Exclusive interviews with Marc Jacobs, Patricia Field, and iconic ball cohorts provide a unique perspective.
In a FashionNetwork.com interview, Lewis, the film’s producer, director, and writer, reveals the untold story behind this indie gem. Currently streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV in multiple languages, the documentary captures the essence of Voguing’s rise from the Harlem ballroom scene to a global phenomenon.
Lewis emphasizes the documentary’s role as the missing link, bridging the gap from ballroom culture to mainstream popularity. ‘A Ball to Remember,’ orchestrated by Lewis in 1988, proved instrumental in shaping competitive dance culture’s trajectory.
The film sheds light on Patricia Field’s boutique, a cultural hub merging uptown and downtown, fashion and nightlife. Lewis, a former Patricia Field employee, reflects on the store’s influence, not just in fashion but as a cultural melting pot.
Tracing her journey from the Palladium to Patricia Field’s, Lewis immerses viewers in the vibrant New York nightlife scene. Paradise Garage’s legendary status, with icons like Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles, sets the stage for the emergence of Voguing.
The documentary introduces the underground world of Voguing in Harlem, a space for community and self-expression. The House of Field’s formation, in collaboration with ballroom icons like Pepper Labeija, Mother Angie Xtravaganza, and Mother Avis Pendavis, becomes a central narrative.
At the heart of the film is the downtown debut ball at The World nightclub, commemorating Paradise Garage’s closing. Archival footage, discovered by JoJo Americo, captures the convergence of uptown, downtown, and club cultures in a historic celebration.
Key fashion figures, including Andre Leon Talley, Betsey Johnson, and Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo, serve as judges. The documentary unveils Marc Jacobs and other luminaries walking the ball, celebrating creativity and acceptance.
Lewis underscores the cultural significance, noting the event’s mention in Page Six, the famed New York Post column. The film encapsulates a unique moment when Seventh Avenue luminaries and ballroom icons united.
For Lewis, the documentary symbolizes liberation from societal expectations, rediscovering community and authentic power. Now a judge at The Coldest Winter Ball, she reflects on ballroom culture’s transformation into a global business.
Echoing Larry Heard’s 1988 song ‘Can You Feel It,’ the documentary captures the timeless acceptance found in New York’s underground scene. Dance, music, and fashion continue breaking barriers, embodying inclusivity and self-expression.
Experience the narrative of ‘Love is in the Legend,’ an indie documentary tracing Voguing’s roots and celebrating enduring acceptance and creativity.
