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    International Mr. Leather 2018 James Lee (second from left) flanked by first runner-up Sandro Cossero (left), second runner-up Stephan Ferris (right) and International Mr. Bootblack 2018 Lucky Rebel.
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    Emcee Thib Guicherd-Callin.
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    IML Corporate Officer Jon Krongaard.
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    International Mr. Leather 2017 Ralph Bruneau.
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    The top three contestants celebrate victory.
From a record-setting field of over 70 contestants, James Lee (Mr. Kentucky Leather 2017) was chosen to reign as the new International Mr. Leather (IML), Sunday, May 27, at the Auditorium Theatre. The Sunday contest was the culmination of an extended weekend of workshops, brotherhood, camaraderie and the infamous Leather Vendor Market, found at the host hotel, the Congress Plaza Hotel.

Lee stood victorious alongside first runner-up Sandro Cossero (Mr. Leather Belgium 2017), second runner-up Stephan Ferris (Mr. friendly SF 2018) and the newly-chosen International Mr. Bootblack Lucky Rebel.

This year’s contest was particularly poignant for two reasons. Firstly, James has the honor of being the 40th IML, the first having been chosen in 1979 at the Gold Coast bar. Second, this was the first IML contest after the death of its founder, Chuck Renslow, who passed away last June at the age of 87.

The winners were feted at the annual Victory Party, taking place at House of Blues Chicago after the contest.

Photos by Verdell Shannon