Talley Balenciaga, Grand Prize for European Runway š, at The Royal Bloom Ball hosted the House of LaBeija. Itās my first ball of the year, more to come. āØ
OTA European Runway called for āThe Editorial Sculptorā, an editorial runway presentation inspired by a Met Gala look.
My look was inspired byĀ Damson Idrisās F1 look at Superfine: Tailoring Black Style Met Gala 2025. The category called for cream, white, and stone tones, so I interpreted it through a brown stone palette.
Suit altered by @dr.gekow šŖ”
Helmet headpiece made by me šØš¾āšØ
White chocolate only exists when something brown is dressed in white. Cocoa beans are brown.
Someone asked me, āAre you sure you want to go to Puerto Vallarta? The cartel is outside.ā But when youāre Black, especially at the intersection of queerness or womanhood, youāre already navigating danger. Thatās not new.
The world has always been threatened by Blackness, intimidated by the innovation, beauty, and intelligence that persist despite systems built on hate and envy.
So yes, I chose to keep living in my skin. To take up space anyway.
I am extremely grateful to see 33. Three has always been my favorite number, a symbol of trinity and power. I was also born in the 3rd month, which makes the number even more meaningful in my life. If you turn the M on its side in all of my names, Melquan M. McKnight Ganzy, it forms 333. That alone reminds me that there is purpose and alignment in my journey.
Iām truly excited to see what this year has in store, especially as my 10th year in New York City approaches this July. Even the date carries meaning for me. 3.16 reflects one of the most important Bible verses, John 3:16, and for that alone Iām forever grateful.
I am deeply thankful for Godās mercy, grace, and the many blessings Iāve already received, along with the ones my heart desires the most still on the way. Iām manifesting every breakthrough meant for this new season.
My heart is full of gratitude in this 33rd, Jesus year.
Happy Birthday to me. šš
THE MIND. š§ š”
This year, I was privileged to engage new conversations, sharpen evolving ideas, and challenge perspectives alongside students at Parsons from across cultures, identities, and lived experiences. Even in moments of difficulty, I remained inspired by those committed to questioning what no longer serves the people.
Across my MPS, AAS, and High School Senior cohorts, students brought curiosity, vulnerability, and rigor into the room. I pushed them to think critically about fashion through intersectionality and storytelling, centering lived experience and community. In return, I witnessed authentic narratives emergeāstories that resonated deeply and expanded the boundaries of creative exploration.
That same commitment extended into my writing with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where I explored fashion as cultural language and political expression. In Delving into Black Dandyism, I examined style as resistance, care, and historical continuity within the Black diaspora. Covering Menās Fashion Week in Paris, I spotlighted BODE and Willy Chavarria, centering intimacy, memory, masculinity, and vulnerability beyond trend reporting. The year culminated in Celebrating a Night of Fashion, Community & Black Excellence, affirming fashion as both industry and village.
Iām deeply grateful to the industry friends who showed up for my students with generosity and care, and forever thankful for the students, collaborators, and community who continue to push me forward. Moving into 2026 with intention, curiosity, and care.
Talley š ±ļøalenciaga Chanel Ball 2025 ā Atlanta, Georgia
āChanel reigned supreme under Karl Lagerfeld, whose legacy shaped fashion from 1983 to 2019. His most powerful mark? The Double Cāluxury, power, prestige.
The assignment: deliver a flawless black-and-white look, dripping in couture opulence. One rule: no Double C, no runway.
This. Is. Chanel.ā
šŖ”: @anthonyjamesonline on the two set and corset by @jaytbull
šØ: @mrsssparker_ on the face
