Maybe it was his open, friendly smile or the tantalizing way he filled out a pair of custom leather pants, but whatever it was, it was just enough for Stefan Mueller to beat his closest competitor by a single point to capture the coveted title of International Mr. Leather 2001.
"Of the 20 finalists, 11 of them could have easily won the title," said Chief Judge Thom Dombkowski, shaking his head in good-natured frustration. "This is the first year that I really couldn't say who was going to win."
Mueller, a 37-year-old from Germany, restored the international scope of the contest with his victory.
"My hope is to give IML more of an international [ perspective ] ," said Mueller at a press conference following the contest. "In my opinion, IML is too focused on America. We need to have more of an exchange of ideas from around the world and to not focus on any one continent."
Mueller's comments sent a guilty ripple through the largely American press corps but any doubts about Mueller's loyalty were quieted as he promised to make several fundraising and personal appearance visits to the states in the upcoming year.
"This is my first visit to America and I have a lot to learn about your habits here," continued Mueller, his voice punctuated with a thick German accent. "I can learn a lot from Americans, especially the way people here are proud to give money to charities and for [ medical ] research. In Europe, we have a lot of work to do in that area and I consider that one of my duties."
Mueller, who is a coordinating manager at a Nuremberg-based printing company as well as a part-time DJ, said he was overwhelmed by what he called "the legendary spirit of brotherhood in Chicago," where the event takes place every year.
Friends of the IML victor have said that it is Mueller himself who embodies that spirit.
"People tell me I'm easy to talk to and that I am the kind of person people feel comfortable to be with," admits Mueller, when asked to describe his personal background.
This became evident during the press conference when 2nd runner-up Houston Davenport, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2001, was asked how he prepared for the contest and he said his lover, a former IML participant who died two months ago, had coached him. A hush fell over the room as Davenport began to openly weep. Mueller silently comforted him with a long hug.
Davenport, a 41-year-old, works as an independent certified sign language interpreter and was sponsored by The Powerhouse in San Francisco.
This year's 1st runner-up title is held by Darrell Moyers, Mr. DC Eagle 2001. Moyers, 33-years-old, is a technical trainer.
Overall, 63 contestants from seven countries competed in this year's contest, which was viewed by a crowd numbering close to 2000 at the Congress Theater.
"Of the 63 competitors, we had a wide spectrum of levels. Some were up here," he said, raising his hand above his head. "And some were down here," he continued, lowering his hand to eye-level. "We need more regional contests so that we get the very best that is out there."
For the first time this year, Dombkowski and the panel of rotating judges began familiarizing themselves with the personality traits of competitors months before the Memorial Day weekend, via e-mail correspondence, a practice he intends to continue.
"If the winners are going to spend 40 weeks on the road, they have got to have people skills," explains the chief judge. "Some contests don't allow the judges and contestants to interact and I just don't think that makes sense."
Next year's event, which marks IML's 24th year, will be held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-27, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, located in downtown Chicago. Look for opening ceremonies to take place on Thursday night instead of Friday, which has now been named an unofficial "party" night by IML organizers for contestants and staff, whose free time has been traditionally limited, due to the responsibilities of pre-contest judging activities.
The Palmer House Hilton
For the first time this year, the host hotel for the IML's Memorial Day Weekend events were moved from the Congress Hotel to the upscale Palmer House Hilton, in the heart of downtown Chicago. Participants, especially those who favor open-backed chaps and leather jocks, were understandably leery of the change in venue, especially considering the hotel's elegant environs. Still, 1,600 rooms were booked for the weekend, with the majority of the attending leatherfolk adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude.
IML media coordinator Allan Jensen said he didn't received any negative complaints about the change in venue.
"We love the [ hotel ] staff here and the staff loves us. It's mutual. I have received no negative feedback. Sure there have been a handful of everyday complaints, but that happens every year."
In an informal survey of individuals attending the Leather Market, which has grown to include 152 vendors, responses appeared universal in their approval of the Palmer House, with high marks for the hotel's excellent service and friendly attitude. ( At the press conference, a reporter congratulated organizers on selecting the new hotel and his comments were backed by a round of hearty applause. )
The weekend wasn't without a few raised eyebrows. Some complained the hotel just wasn't conducive to crusing for sex. Others balked at the fact that the hot tub and pool were conveniently closed for repair.
"The Tuesday before the events, I was given a tour of the hot tub and pool and they explained to me how and why they needed to be repaired," said Jensen.
As for the restricted nudity policy on Thursday, Jensen says hotel staffers were a little shocked, even though they had seen pictures of previous years' events, at the kinds of clothing participants were ( or were not ) wearing. Originally, the policy was to be mandated for the entire weekend, but hotel administrators relaxed their policy on Friday, stating that because of a city ordinance, the no nudity rule would have to be applied to the hotel's lobby—but only in the lobby.
Next year's IML will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, but organizers have already booked the Palmer House for 2003, which is the event's 25th anniversary.
— Tony Peregrin
