On Bravo’s Project Runway, all of the designers met famous drag queens. They had to listen to their clients’ ideas and needs, then design new looks for them.
Heidi Gunn asked each Runway Monday designer to find our own drag queen, get to know her, and design a special look for her. I was talking to my usual model, Summer, and she shared a story about a friend of hers. You may recognize her:
That’s Barbie’s best friend Midge. Midge is a real doll, but she has a tendency to forget things–taking her birth control pills, for example. Since she’s a stay-at-home mom, the financial responsibility for her ever-expanding family falls mostly on Midge’s husband, Alan.
A mild-mannered, middle manager by day, Alan only infrequently indulges his desire to cross-dress–always with Midge’s full support. She even shares clothes with him on occasion.
Now, with Summer’s guidance and Midge’s encouragement, Alan has finally decided to take it one step further. To make extra money, Alan plans to perform in drag. That’s what brought him to me.
Alan told me one performer he always wanted to be was Carmen Miranda.
I told Alan that while she was fine as inspiration, he should go for his OWN look, not merely be an imitation. And that’s when…
Miss Spirella Balzac was born. Is it Spirella’s destiny to go south of the border? Only time will tell. But here’s the design she’ll be wearing for her singing and dancing debut at CLUB CHAOS.*
You can see Mark G. Harris’s design here, and Timothy J. Lambert’s design here. Throughout the day Monday, you can read what the judges have to say right here on Heidi Gunn’s LiveJournal.
For my previous designs:
Week 5: Lipstick Jungle
Week 4: Olympic Gold
Week 3: New Orleans Inspiration
Week 2: Going Green I won!
Week 1: Grocery Store
Some readers may recognize Club Chaos from the Timothy James Beck books.
All eyes on Spirella! I love the colors you chose– hard to ignore (perfect for a drag queen)! And the arm spirals and designs on the skirt echoing her wig, all so fitting for a performer named Spirella. I’m ordering the headdress in my size, Becky. : )
(I’m giggling at “Balzac.”)
GOOD LUCK!
Thank you. I’ll start work on your headdress now.
(I’m so glad you got “Balzac.”)
Yay! I forgot to say, I enjoyed your behind-the-scenes slant on Alan’s and Midge’s relationship. : )
I got my headdress! : D
Yay!
Poor Midge, she looks like she got hit with the Matel ugly stick one too many times. I love the look!! It’s like Carmen Miranda meets Chi Chi Rodriguez.
Why did you opt to go with a longer skirt?
1. My client requested it because she wants the drama of showing a little leg at certan moments in her singing act.
2. I’m currently unable to shop the accessories wall for shoes and such.
I forget … no bluefly wall for you this week. This dress is the dress Daniel should have made.
Could we see the back without the wrap?
Thank you!
You’re welcome. =)
Wow, how much back wax does she go through in a year?
Love this! The colors are fantastic, and I love what you did with the hair/head piece. If I’m being picky I would have liked to see a little make-up on her (some lips, perhaps?) but overall this is a very strong design. Kudos!
Thank you!
Oops. I just commented about this on MGH’s post, not realizing you mentioned it here. For anyone else looking at comments, I did try to glam Spirella up a little with some glitter.
I think all of us could have done great makeup, but it stains the plastic. =(
I thought about that (the stain issues) after I posted. These boys have to go back to being MACHO KEN DOLLS once this challenge is over! 🙂
Uh, yeah, with their little bumps. Bless their hearts.
This is cracking me up like a walnut shell. I am barely containing my laughter, which is a good thing as I’m at work….
Jeffrey R.
Ah, then my work is done!
Heh…she said “Balzac.”
Sorry, my sister’s children got into my computer while I was designing the most fabulous restraints for them.
They’re probably “researching a term paper for school.”