Volume 10: Dismantled explores queer identity and community as an exercise of celebration by bringing together artists from the Bureau of Queer Art and Maryland. Volume 10: Dismantled will serve as the backdrop to the third biennial Merkin Dream Fashion Show. Merkin Dream III will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 7 PM to 10 PM with additional programming in the basement following the event.
Merkin Dream III will be an exclusive event and limited to only 80 guests due to capacity limitations. Purchase your ticket HERE. MAP is located at 218 West Saratoga Street between Park and Howard Streets just within theBromo Arts & Entertainment District.
What is a Merkin:
A merkin—a pubic wig for women —first appeared around 1450, primarily as a practical solution for hygiene serving both sanitary and economic purposes for sex workers who suffered from lice. It was also used in early theater, allowing male actors playing female roles to conceal their genitals on stage.
By the mid-18th century, merkins took on a decorative role, often embellished with ribbons, pearls, and dyes to reflect fashion trends or social status. In contemporary times, their most common use is in film and television, where they provide modesty for actors during nude scenes, help productions meet rating standards, or offer privacy for performers who prefer not to appear fully exposed. Outside of Hollywood, merkins are occasionally seen in fetish contexts.
About Kenn Hall:
Kenn Hall began as an assistant designer eventually moving on to production and development roles for renowned names like Donna Karan, Men’s Wearhouse, and Express. Kenn currently resides in Baltimore to expand his own brand identity OMRY International.