W: Meg Hall. I: Bogdan Stanga

New York City-based fashion designer Pissy Pussy is a true icon of wearable art. From outrageously fabulous platform shoes to his signature masks, the brand is a genuine joy to behold in these strange times. Yet, Pissy isn’t always dazzling the NYC scene in avant-garde gear; his day-to-day style reflects a grounded duality. He describes having two personal styles: an "everyday boy look" consisting of Carhartt pants and T-shirts, and the self-created persona of Pissy Pussy—an entity he defines as "towering, printed, outrageous, and masked."

This creative journey wasn't a straight line. Pissy candidly discusses the hurdles of his youth, including dropping out of high school and struggling to find a passion. The "click" finally happened in the fall of 2016 at a Susanne Bartsch party, where he realized he wanted to be a "Club Kid." This subculture of eccentric, flamboyant night-dwellers from the late 80s and 90s became his blueprint. While he initially had no formal training, his drive to "pull a look" was relentless—whether that meant tying 100 balloons to his naked body or crafting a five-foot piñata headpiece out of cardboard.

Eventually, the focus shifted from the party to the craft. Pissy stepped back from the nightlife scene to master the sewing machine and perfect his technical skills, leading to the birth of his own independent brand. One of his most ambitious feats to date is a giant nude tulle and vinyl look originally designed for Kaia Gerber’s 18th birthday. The ensemble required over 800 yards of tulle and 60 hours of labour, resulting in a piece so massive it required an Uber XL just to transport it to the event.

At the heart of this artistry is a deep-seated admiration for powerful women. Pissy credits Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Lady Gaga as the driving forces behind his work ethic. These icons shaped his life and aesthetic, with Gaga’s influence being particularly visible in his drag and Club Kid-inspired designs. As for what’s next, the designer remains as unpredictable as his fashion. With a brand that is ever-changing, Pissy Pussy continues to evolve, leaving the world to wonder what masterpiece he’ll unveil this time next year.