International Mr. Leather

📝 Note on Attire: Contestants are not judged on specific attire criteria but should dress appropriately for the activity/space. Note that IML Top 20 will be in formal gear on Sunday, and podium photos will be taken.

— IMBB Team

✨ Personal Image: Judging consists of an on-stage introduction on Friday night, and judges’ observation of the contestant’s interactions with the public throughout the weekend.

🎤 Personal Interview: Contestants will answer questions from IMBB judges for a total of eight (8) minutes.

🗣️ Speech: On Sunday, the top 5 contestants will be announced on stage and will give a 90-second speech. This score is added to the contestant’s total points.

🎓 Educational Presentation: Give a 15-minute primer on a specific skill you have perfected, with 5 minutes for Q&A. Judging is based on the quality of the presentation and knowledge shown.

👞 Bootblack Skill: Judges will be looking for high Bootblacking skill level, passion for the craft, and good client interaction during stand time on Friday and Saturday.

The IMBB Elements of Competition are officially here!

We’re excited to share the full breakdown of what contestants can expect as they prepare for the International Mr. Bootblack experience. 🧵👇

World Aids Day 2025.

Paul Thek died from AIDS-related complications on August 10, 1988, six years before I am born. He was 54 years old.

He is my hero. A singular figure.

Chris Kelley
IML Art director

Early Access Pricing for International Mr. Leather & International Mr. Bootblack 2026 is now live! Use the link below to get your tickets now!

www.sickening.events/e/internatio...

#IML #IMBB #IMLBB #InternationalMrLeather #InternationalMrBootblack #leather #bootblack

The link is live now! Check our pinned post

The link is live now! Check our pinned post.

Early Access Pricing for International Mr. Leather & International Mr. Bootblack 2026 is now live! Use the link below to get your tickets now!

www.sickening.events/e/internatio...

#IML #IMBB #IMLBB #InternationalMrLeather #InternationalMrBootblack #leather #bootblack

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

You’re just 1 day away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks Becky!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

You’re just 1 day away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks David!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

You’re just 1 day away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks Jamal!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

We’re just 2 days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks Bee 🐝

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

We’re just 2 days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks Miguel!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

We’re just 2 days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks Empress Jessica!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — Nov 28!

We’re just 3 short days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Thanks Jeffrey!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — Nov 28!

We’re just 4 short days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Thanks Kendall!

#InternationalMrLeather #InternationalMrBootblack #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

English Translation:

Hi everyone, my name is Alex Torres, and I'm Mr. Hidden Door 2024. I'm part of the Class of 47 and I'm here to remind you that we have 5 days left for the Black Friday sale for IML.

We have hotel packages, ticket packages, and party packages too. See you there.

Thanks, Alex!

IMLBB 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

We’re just 6 days away from securing your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations for IMLBB 2026!

Get ready!

Thanks, Billy!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB
#iml #imbb #bootblack #leather

Hello guys, so we have exactly 6 days left to be able to take advantage of the sales to enjoy the IML Black Friday Weekend with really competitive prices. Frankly, I advise you to book in advance, it's much more interesting and well the countdown has started eh.
So I hope you see you there!
Ciao.

On this day, we celebrate and honor Trans Day of Remembrance.

When I say "trans people are under attack," this is not an exaggeration. The global movement has a tragic toll.

Zephyr Merkur
IML First Runner-up
Class of '47

IML Weekend 2026 Early Access begins Black Friday — November 28!

Secure your event packages and Congress Hotel reservations early!

Get ready and stay tuned across all social media platforms for the latest updates on IML Weekend 2026 — it’s going to be big!

#InternationalMrLeatherInc #IMLBB

BIG NEWS!!

Illustrated by Stephen Sadowski

BIG NEWS!

Reminder: Help Shape the IML 2026 Judging Panel

To submit a nomination:
1. Visit the IML website.
2. Go to the “Contestant’s Guide” section from the drop-down menu then “Judges and Tally Masters.”
4. Complete the nomination form provided.
Start nominating here: www.internationalmrleather.com/judges

Follow our socials or join the mailing list to receive the upcoming artist submission guidelines and timeline.

Chris Kelley
IML Art Director

We are seeking bold, fearless creators — whose work engages with themes of kink, fetish, leather culture, queer desire, and radical intimacy. Whether you are an emerging artist or a veteran of the scene, we invite you to help shape this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Expect paintings, photography, and selected works that challenge norms, embrace desire, and celebrate the communities that made leather a global language of liberation.