Honey Balenciaga says she’s never celebrated her birthday with this big of a blowout — and she definitely deserves it. The 23-year-old performer has become something of a ballroom legend, especially having spent last year on the road as a key dancer during Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. It was only fitting, then, for the native New Yorker to host her own ball, called Sweet Tingz: Kiki Edition, thrown on Thursday, August 29 in collaboration with PAPER, The Travel Agency, POSH and SAA at 99 Scott in Brooklyn.
She describes the event as the perfect entry-level ball, for those who’ve never experienced one and would like to witness or participate in a world she’s been active in since first learning to vogue on the New York piers at 14 years old. This is why Balenciaga’s ball was free and open to the public, inviting her community to show up and show out — and they certainly did in droves, wearing looks and posing on the step-and-repeat like everyone was their own celebrity.
Prior to the ball, Balenciaga hosted an intimate dinner and cocktail reception with close friends to kick off the special night. Alex Consani, Memphy, Kyle Luu, Aweng Chuol and Josie Dupont all dined together at SAA’s Habibi The Restaurant, sipping espresso martinis and snacking on tasty Middle Eastern cuisine. With a toast and a birthday cake, Balenciaga blew out her candles and made private wishes — 23 of them, to be exact — before heading over to Sweet Tingz and changing her outfit (twice).
“As I celebrate 23 years of life, I find myself at the intersection of passion and my first love: ballroom,” Balenciaga tells PAPER. “My 23 wishes reflect my personal journey. While I hold most of my wishes close to my heart, I'll unveil one: my aspiration to revive my passion for vogue. After being swept away by the fast-paced fashion world, this wish is a powerful reminder of the community that first embraced and celebrated me. Honoring the community that shaped me into the diva I am today. The community that gave birth to the voguing diva.”
Sweet Tingz brought in a panel of ballroom experts, including surprise guests Law Roach and Tokischa to either give 10s or Chop. Attendees competed in four different categories: Best-Dressed (Winner: Addicted Mulan), Runway (Winner: Mateo Juicy), Face (Winner: Lil Kim Juicy) and OTA Vogue (Winner: Princess Brooklyn Juicy Couture). Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation donated $1,500 for the Grand Prize OTA performance.
“Honey and I have history from our iconic moment on HBO Max’s Legendary,” says Roach, who was a judge on the show (Balenciaga appeared in the first season). “I’ve watched her grow into a superstar and I’m so proud.” Adrianna Varedi, Head of Events SAA and 99 Scott, adds that they were "super excited by the opportunity to host Honey's 23rd birthday. It's always rewarding to be able to support and contribute to the culture."
Photography: Zac Thompson
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