21 Shots of All the Opulence from the Love Ball 2019

The First Two Love Balls Were Almost 30 Years Ago

While there wasn't much that was actually ballroom-related about the third Love Ball, put on this year by the event's founder Suzanne Barsch and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, it certainly was long. The event, which is a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS-related programs, was more of a showcase of talent than a ball. With Barsch and Billy Porter as hosts, the festivities powered through categories like "Move to the Groove" which was essentially for lip syncing and "Show Stoppers" where various performers like Charlene put on gag-filled sets.

In the last half hour of the event, ballroom made its presence known in a category that functioned a bit as a parade of houses. As Jack Mizrahi, iconic ballroom commentator and historian, explained once he got onto the mic to lead the category, the houses were all over 40 years old, proving a longstanding resilience in the community. Each put on a production, introducing a handful of members of their respective collectives and the categories they were known for. It was by and large the most anticipated, and most applauded aspect of the entire event.

Here we give you a peek into the festivities where everyone, even those in the audience, pulled their most opulent looks.