THE DAME THAT CAME FROM IMPHAL

With an unwavering dedication to authenticity and self-expression—meet DAME IMFALA.

By Kanica Joshi

Gracing stages across the country, captivating audiences with performances that continue to push boundaries of drag and fashion, with an unwavering dedication to authenticity and self-expression—meet Same Imfala.

From our first GQ shoot on drag identity many moons ago, Dame has always been in our lives. She calls (last minute), she scrimmages, she turns them clothes upside down, and what comes out is yet another never imagined look. From a frequent collaborator to a talent extraordinaire, there’s nothing Dame cannot do (yes, she can fly).

Dame Imfala is a trans non-binary drag artist and model hailing from Imphal, currently based in Mumbai.Their art is a celebration of Meitei heritage, a culmination of tradition and contemporary creativity that challenges cultural and gender norms.

With a background in fashion design, their signature style is a kaleidoscope of Meitei aesthetics, avant-garde drag expression and sartorial splendor. Dame Imfala has graced stages across the country, captivating audiences with performances that transcend cultural boundaries. They've been featured in the likes of Vogue, GQ, Grazia, and have walked the runway for acclaimed designers.

They continue to push boundaries of drag and fashion as a form of artistic rebellion, with an unwavering dedication to authenticity and self-expression.

“As Someone Who Doesn’t Like Being Told What To Wear, I Relish In The Endless Ambiguous Fashion Possibilities With Quod. My Personal Style Is Androgynous And Eclectic, And Quod Checks All These Boxes. From Dame’s Debut In The Pages Of Gq To Being On Gq Best Dressed List, The Dame Has Only Just Begun.”

Find Dame Imfala on Instagram @dameimfala