7 June 2022

Social project series 'Queer Moments' is supported by photographer Barbara Essl and designer La Hong with a fashion show and gala dinner at the 'Queer Night' at the renaissance castle Schloss Neugebäude in Vienna

The social project event series 'Queer Moments' was born in Simmering, the 11th district of Vienna. Aim of the event series is to bring people of various ages and origins together. One of the places where such a get-together happens this month is a gem of Simmering. The renaissance castle Schloss Neugebäude was built in the 16th century. Later in the 18th century, parts of the luxurious building with gardens were transferred to the Schloss Schönbrunn such as the 'Gloriette'. (The history of the castle is summarized at wien.info). From the beginning of 2000, the castle has been awakened again and is used today for public and private events like the upcoming 'Queer Night' on 25 June (tickets). Highlight of the event is the La Hong fashion show referencing roaring 20ies-motifs of the 'Queer Moments' photo exhibition. Photographer Barbara Essl captured protagonists, who are standing for an open minded society, individuality and inclusivity, in 1920s styles at little known but historical places in Simmering. The exhibition 'Queer Moments in Lost Places in Simmering' by Barbara Essl is on view since the beginning of this month until 24 June at the district administration of Simmering. The circle of the two events closes at the La Hong fashion show where the protagonists from the photo shoot with Barbara Essl will appear as models together with finalists of 'Miss Earth' Austria on the runway.

Images, from left: Art photographer Barbara Essl and District Manager of Simmering Thomas Steinhart at the exhibition 'Queer Moments in Lost Places in Simmering'. The exhibition is on view from 1 to 24 June 2022 at the district administration of the 11th district of Vienna. The exhibition will be on view on 25 June at the 'Queer Night' at Schloss Neugebäude. Photographer: Vicky Posch. Photo: © Queer Moments.

Right: Presentation of the 'La Hong for Queer Moments' t-shirts. The picture shows designer La Hong in front of his store at the Kohlmarkt 4, Am RosaRosen Hof in the 1st district of Vienna. La Hong is holding two t-shirts which were hand-painted together with artists of the 'Queer Night' and the community building social club 'Queer Dance im Gemeindebau'. La Hong announced via Instagram that the t-shirts will premiere at the Regenbogenparade (Rainbow Parade) on 11th June and will be available via queermoments.com. Photographer: Christian Kaiser. Photo: © La Hong.