Mon. May 26, 2014
Chicago, IL -
Ramien Pierre, Mr. DC Eagle 2014, was named International Mr. Leather 2014 at the 36th annual IML Competition in Chicago Sunday, May 25.
Over 2,000 leather enthusiasts packed The Harris Theatre for the annual competition, which featured a performance by Well-Strung. The leather and harness wearing string quartet brought the audience to their feet.
The night began with a speech from International Mr. Leather founder and producer Chuck Renslow, 74.
"Welcome to IML," said Renslow. "For the last decade, IML has occupied a unique place in history. We are the oldest and largest leather contest in history."
Over the past 36 years, more than 1,700 men have competed for the title of International Mr. Leather. On Sunday, Pierre became the 36 person to claim the coveted leather title.
Hailing from Washington D.C., Pierre bested a field of 46 contestants from 5 countries. Participants were judged on stage presence and personality (Pecs and Personality), leather image, presentation skills, and physical appearance.
Steve Dupont, Mr. New England Leather 2014, was named 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up was Cody Troy, Mr. Midwest Leather 2013.
Miguel Torres, Mr. Chicago Leather 2014, made it into the top 20 finalists round.
"As an immigrant from Venezuela, I am proud to live the American Dream," Torres said in his speech on Sunday night. "To my family, I say, stay proud, and be who you are. Whether you're a leatherman, a rubberboy, a pup, or a drag queen. So mom, I know you're in the audience today, thank you. Thank you for teaching me to love and be who I am."
International Mr. Leather 2014, including the Leather Market (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.), continues through Monday, May 26, 2014 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave.
The official closing party, The Black and Blue Ball, begins at 8 p.m. Monday, May 26 at Castle Nightclub, 640 N. Dearborn. The party is the IML debut of incomparable Producer/ DJ David Picard from Toronto.
Photos IML 2014:
IML Pecs And Personality | IML Competition | IML Victory Party
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