International Mr. Leather, Chicago's annual celebration of the leather lifestyle, culminated in the contest to choose the new titleholder, Sunday, May 29, at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. When the dust settled, Mr. New Jersey Leather 2016 David "Tigger" Bailey was named the new International Mr. Leather, the 38th man to hold the title since the contest's inception in 1979.
Rounding out the top three were two Chicagoans: Mr. Chicago Leather 2016 Todd Harris was named first runner-up, while Mr. Midwest Leather 2015 Adam "Pup Vino" Henderson took second runner-up.
The new International Mr. Bootblack is Erick Joseph of Anchorage, Alaska.
The Sunday-night contest rounded out a weekend jam-packed with parties and leather/fetish community get-togethers. The annual IML Victory Party immediately followed the contest at House of Blues Chicago. The Black and Blue Ball, the final official event of the big weekend, takes place Monday, May 30, at Sound-Bar, 226 W. Ontario St.