Melbourne-based creative Jordan Mengler-Francis is the mind behind new brand Mx Drummer, a fashion label that they proudly describe as “queer”.
“I consider myself primarily a designer, though this collection marks a step change in further evolving my skillset as a maker,” Jordy explains.
“As my first solo range, it represents the journey from conception to tangible. For me, designing the vision and physically making the garment has become a more connected and seamless process.”
Jordy will be unveiling the collection, and correspondingly, the brand, at Revival Runway’s Queer By Design [QBD] show on Thursday 19 February 2026.
“The QBD runway show marks the first public chapter in cultivating my creative identity. It is an opportunity to explore my signature aesthetic and see how my vision resonates with its intended community while I continue to build and evolve,” says Jordy.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
“As a queer, non-binary creator, I’ve experienced first hand how fashion and queerness strengthen each other; they are two forces that have evolved together throughout my life. Mx Drummer was born from a desire to share that sense of empowerment, creating a space where fashion acts as a source of strength and celebration for other queer people,” explains Jordy.
“I have been making garments for personal use for several years, though my technical foundation was solidified during my degree. My final collection was produced in collaboration with the team at RBPatterns (who I can not recommend enough); working with them step-by-step was a formative experience that deepened my understanding of the intricacies of the development process.
“When creating, my process is much more fluid and intuitive. I often begin with a core concept and a few reference images, then allow the garment to take shape as I work. This ‘create-as-I-go’ approach allows me to remain reactive, turning technical roadblocks into creative opportunities when things evolve differently than planned.
“Mx Drummer combines the genderless honorific ‘Mx’ with an homage to the provocative queer subcultures of the 70s and 80s. It’s a name that celebrates both gender-neutral identity and the radical spirit of the artists and publications that paved the way.
Instead of formally launching the brand, Jordy is using the Revival Runway show as a “soft launch”, and as a way to introduce their work to the fashion industry.
“It’s a chance to move my designs from the studio to the runway and begin the dialogue between my garments and the community.”
PUSHING THE LIMITS
Jordy says that they are inspired by designers who “push the limits of provocation” like Richard Quinn and Rick Owens.
“I’m inspired by the darkness in their ranges mixing both femininity and masculinity — how they refuse to play small and instead create garments that demand attention and celebrate a fearless sense of identity and certainty in one’s self.
“I’ve also been following the journey of queer-owned brand Syro; they have such a loud and precise brand identity tied into queerness and community that is very much in line with the intention for Mx Drummer.”
According to Jordy, their brand is also focused on the “intersection of fashion and subversion through the lens of queerness”.
“The brand caters to the wearer who uses clothing as a statement of defiance, celebrating an identity that is both ‘obnoxious’ and brilliant. By leaning into visual disruption, the collection seeks to instil a sense of invincibility in the wearer, making them feel as powerful as they are seen.”
For Jordy, the central core of Mx Drummer, its “aesthetic”, is “queer”. This concept follows into the ethical practices of the brand as well.
“Ethical practice at Mx Drummer goes beyond materials; it is rooted in intentional collaboration. We employ a holistic ‘Queer Ecosystem’ model, ensuring that every hand involved in the brand — from technical development to final campaign imagery — belongs to a queer creative. This commitment to supporting queer-owned businesses and talent is our way of building a sustainable future for our community within the fashion industry.”
Jordy says that their vision for the future is “one of continuous evolution”. “I hope to grow Mx Drummer from this first public chapter into a fully realised fashion expression known for unapologetic queer celebration.
“I see it as an ongoing exploration of visibility, where each new piece further defines a world that is as bold and provocative as the people who wear it.
“Mx Drummer is as much about the energy as it is the clothes. It’s for the dancefloor, the protest, and the moment you decide to take up space. We believe that fashion should be a visceral experience — something that makes your heart race and your presence felt before you even speak a word.”
Catch Mx Drummer on the runway as part of the QUEER BY DESIGN show on Thursday 19 February 2026. Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/DGPPG
For more information about Mx Drummer, go to @mx_drummer
