Party Report: La Femme Wows Crowd (and Romanian Church-Goers) at Oregon Convention Center

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Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

It was quite the sight to see Darcelle XV back onstage Sunday night at the Oregon Convention Center. 

That’s because, just one year ago to the day, on that very convention center stage, Portland’s most iconic female impersonator said she would not be returning, and last year’s La Femme Magnifique and La Femme Magnifique Plus International Pageant to “crown the most glamourous female impersonators in the world” would be the very last.

That was then. And Sunday night was “wow.”

After much coaxing from friends and future contestants, Darcelle and his partner, Roxy La Roy, embraced the return of La Femme. First held in 1982, this year’s competition would push the number of La Femmes over the 50 winners mark. Not only were there plenty of glammed-out gals competing on stage at the Convention Center but also past winners on and off the stage, including “Champagne,” who celebrated her 30th year as a La Femme winner.

A panel of judges, included KGW-TV’s own morning pick-me-up, Brenda Braxton, judged each contestant in various categories including 'Black and White,' ‘Formal Wear,’ ’Talent’ and ‘Showgirl.' The latter category always brings out the biggest "oohs" and "aahs" from the packed audience because this is the time of the night where the contestants really go all out on their costumes a la Las Vegas showgirls.

Think sky head pieces and feathers popping out of everywhere. 

Although contestants often come from as far away as Hawaii to compete, it was two hometown ladies who were crowned with top honors at this year’s event: Priscilla Blackstone (Maurice Hines) for La Femme Magnifique Plus and Madame DuMoore (Daniel Pulver) for La Femme Magnifique. Both of them rose to the occasion with live props and spinning flags. 

And as for the night itself, one of the more intriguing mash-ups on Sunday evening was the fact that same night the Oregon Convention Center was also host to “Jesus Reigns,” a huge convention for members of the Romanian Pentecostal Church, giving the whole space a "Miss Bling meets The King" kind of vibe.  

Talk about your resurrection.

For more La Femme photos (including behind the scenes and backstage shots) please click here. 

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Related Slideshow: Slideshow: La Femme Magnifique International Pageant

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