I love drag! There’s so much to love about it and one of my favourite things is the fashion. I love the absurdity and true camp, the drama and the total fantasy these drag stars create. A lot of my muses these days are drag queens and I often base my first impression of the queen on their outfit rather than personality or makeup skills, though those become important for show value. One of my absolute favourite queens is Shea Coulee. I’ve been thoroughly in love with her since season 9 and continue to virtually stalk her post-win. For this Whatta Look (check out Leigh-Anne’s style here), I’m paying homage to my favourite queen. Now, she has many a look but I’ve carefully selected 5. Bear in mind, looks that are more wearable will likely appeal more to me though I can appreciate an out of this world fashion moment. I cannot stress enough, Shea barely does any wrong (including her crafty look, Carson!), these are just 5 of many!
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5, Love the Skin You’re In
Honourable mention to this second skin that made me drop my jaw as she peered around the corner!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 Finale Red Carpet
This finale outfit is just stunning! A lot of queens use the opportunity to show their brand, pull out their most extravagant gowns and fascinators (an elephant head as worn by Eureka comes to mind). I appreciate that though this look is drop dead gorgeous, there’s a wearable element and it would feel perfect on any red carpet.The jumpsuit with skirt attachment adds structure and elevates it from a simple gown. The silver trim detail feels regal, maybe foreshadowing her eventual crowning, and the off-shoulder is very feminine and elegant. Just in love!
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5, Camo Couture
This mod, 60s mini dress in blue camo was a cool, unexpected twist on the challenge and totally Shea. The dress itself is so cute, with a lovely tie collar detail and peplum-type trim at the edge. Now the accessories! Drag queens often get called out for over accessorising, but these coordinated additives complete the outfit. I mean, she decorated a watering can! Blue camo stunning! The extra pieces pull the look together rather than overpower.
Press Day
THE HAIR! Wigs are not what they used to be and to see Black queens pay tribute to iconic hair-dos from the 90s is exactly what we need. The curls are so perfect and emulate the new style that Shea has adapted to these days. As she mentioned during her run on the show, her aesthetic celebrates Black women and it’s so clear to see. From now on, when you think of a power suit, it will be this outfit. Maintaining the colour blocking in shades of yellow allows for both a fun and bold look that is still refined and classic. It’s fun but still has some sensibility to it.
Alright Darling pictorial
Honestly, the charming point of this outfit is the leather jacket that I will get back to. Silvers and metals are typically used to accessorise or glam an outfit rather than as the core pieces. So to have this combination with a chainmail dress accessorised with a statement jacket is a loud, unexpected pairing. This is the jacket of my dreams! I spent a fair time looking for leather suitable paint so I can recreate this design. It’s so gorgeous and I love how it tones down the silver and hot glam that might resemble Zendaya’s 2018 Met Gala look without the jacket. When I think of Shea’s best outfits, I always think of this jacket without considering the rest too long but I now can appreciate the style she created.
Fashion Photo Ruview, DragCon Looks
Mullets have been hot on the heads of all. From Taehyung of BTS to Leigh-Anne of Little Mix to Miley Cyrus, the mullet is apparently not going anywhere. With that being said, it’s not my favourite look. Those previously mentioned and Shea are the only ones who have successfully pulled off a mullet. Shea has done so well in fact that I remember this effortlessly cool, rockstar chic look because of the mullet. The mixed fabrics and textures on the coat are so interesting and eye-catching, and those gloves pull off the fantasy. If I was a rockstar, I might give this look a try.
Do you have a favourite drag star? Did I miss your favourite Shea outfit? Maybe a part two is in order one day…
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