Smashion Special Feature
Pride Style Guide: 1977-2021
Gay Bob: The World’s First Gay Doll For Everyone (1977)
Smashion plumbs the bowels of its LGTBQ “fashion” archives in search of actual gay style.
The results might bore…er, surprise you!
Exhibit A: Gay Bob (1977)
This anatomically correct novelty boy toy emerged on the scene at the height of gay liberation. Boxed in a closet, Bob just wanted to come out and be accepted for who he was—a very stylish queen indeed. His Doll Clothing Fashion Catalogue definitely tells a story of bourgeois chic run riot! As far as Smashion is concerned, plenty of looks have staying power in 2021. See for yourself…
“So boys and girls and grownups, if everyone came ‘out of their closets’ there wouldn’t be so many angry frustrated, frightened people.” —Gay Bob Doll Clothing Fashion Catalogue
“For the Gay Suburbanite who likes to go shopping on Saturday or for cruising in your station wagon…Polyester double-knit leisure suit with white saddle-stitching and flap pockets. Note: waffle stitch in knit, with extra pair of pants—$14.95”
“Crepe-backed satin chaps hand-painted with day-glo yellow U.S. Marshal stars—$350.00”
“Machine gun cartridge belt filled with 250 amyl nitrate capsules—$4,625.00”
“Football earring—$50.00”