HOMECOMING QUEEN

Nothing like an impromptu weekend jolly. My friend Ryan from Rochester had called me last week to see if I wanted to catch an art exhibit with him as he had tickets to see a fashion exhibit, but a friend of his couldn't make it. So he called to see if I'd be interested. Turns out it was Homecoming Queen, and it came back for a five-day revisit to the Rochester Art Center. I wanted to see this the first time it came around but missed due to scheduling and timing and a little thing called the pandemic. Rochester is the closet it came to me, so I said yes. Mind you, I should have been in the garden tending to it, but no way was I missing this again. Homecoming Queen was the exhibit of Ethan Mundt, aka Utica, a very talented drag queen who appeared on the 13th season of Drag Race and who in my ever-humble opinion should have won. She was by far the most creative and the performance queen of the season, but alas, we know the deep conceptual does always win. The exhibit was 4,000 square feet of orgasmic dream for me and featured mannequins dressed in Utica's most stunning garments from the season and further, her original design sketches, large scale editorial photos of the Drag Race alumna and a swell video highlighting Utica's background, growing up, and her thought and creative process. I'm here to tell you, the screen does nothing for these looks the queen's wear. To see the wardrobe up close and the details was something. But Utica is also not your average Drag Race queen. These garments were practically like couture. Easy to see why she is leaning into fashion design. All created, designed and hand made by Utica herself. She should be proud. To my knowledge she is the only drag queen, even over RuPaul herself, to ever have a whole exhibit of her wardrobe to be featured as an art installation, made with her own hands. Is it any wonder Lexi Love wore so many of Utica's creations this season, and other queens are flocking or is it frocking, to her? Another plus? We got to see Kasha Davis performing later that night out.

Homecoming Queen

CATEGORY IS...

....Witchy Poo Realness. 

Utica!

PORTAIT OF A QUEEN

Eleganza Twixmas Portraits. 

You know, the period betixed Christmas and New Years.

Our newly crowned RuPauls Drag Race Italia Queen-

Electra Bionic.

The Villbergs

Carmen Farala

Scarlet Envy

Sira MaNdonna

Bonita Roserita

Betty Bang

Kara Mel DeVil

Fraida Kant

Utica

Veronica Electronica 

Jasmine Rice

Sam Star

HOMECOMING QUEEN

Utica is by far,  one of the most memorable queens from the Drag Race Empire. And has been hailed as one of the most talented and creative of designer of garments in the history of the franchise. Everything we witnessed was made by her and her lone, with campy, innovative and intricate designs the show had not seen. So it only be fitting she will be one of the first drag queens, beside the Queen herself,  to have a whole exhibition devoted to her work and design.

Utica and the Rochester Art Center are partnering to host "Homecoming Queen", a 4,000 square foot exhibition showcasing the artwork and high fashion of the former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant. While Utica is an incredibly charismatic performer, what truly sets her apart and elevates her craft is the fact that she conceives, designs and sew her own looks, which I hear are at near Alexander McQueen levels of inspiration, creativity and artistry. I would love to get to this showing...and I'd take Uptonking with me!!! To my knowledge though, this is the first ever showing that positions a drag performer as a visual artist via their garments handmade by them.

Known for her fashion-forward style, Homecoming Queen will feature around 20 or more of mannequins dressed in Utica's most evocative looks, seen on the show and off. Works also include original design sketches, large editorial photographs and a 10 minute film of her background.

Originally from Utica, which inspired her name, Utica has stayed connected with her small town roots through her wholesome and unique style. Discovering his knack for costume design at Hamline University and then went on to find his niche in the Twin Cities drag community. She has always been on the drag circuit even before his Drag Race roots, and became a break out hit on the show, and getting featured in Vogue itself. Utica hopes since the show features elements of everything from fashion and photography to queer culture and gender expression, it is hoped this exhibition serves as a catalyst for many meaningful conversations, especially LGBTQ issues in the community. To dive further into the world of Utica, the Rochester Art Center is also offering a ticketed virtual experience that will allow fans and fashion lovers from all over the world to join in the experience through an online gallery. The exhibition and tickets open December 4 and runs through April 3, 2022. Tickets and Rochester Art Center info here.

CATEGORY IS.....

......Grand Eleganza Gowns

America's Next Drag Superstar...Symone 

Gottmik

Rose'

Kandy Muse

Uthica

On a side note, I thought the Finale was very well done and entertaining., very cool they had three opening ensembles. These bitches spent some series coin.  While  I adore Symone, I did think Gottmik should maybe have won. She brought things in that finale we hadn't seen before, while Symone is talented but does she really bring anything new to the existing winners circle? But she is more well rounded. Gottmik was the only one I liked all three ensembles. She was OFF THE HOOK. Rose' fucking brought that My Fair Lady gown!!!! That would have sooo been me. Didn't care for the red looks by any of the others. Also I thought the lip synchs sank. Could they have been any more low key for Britney songs??? There shouldn't have been floor boards left. And the wig reveal thing is so yesterday. But Utica brought that gown eleganza, and she wasn't even a finalist! Work it but don't break Utica!!!! I think the finale would have been more entertaining with her there instead of Kandy. I mean, she wore the above, and wasn't even in the finale! 

And to Ru, next season how about 10 queens. I can't sit thought another almost 5 months season.

MOOD BOARD

Happy Monday to you all. How's the weather in your zip code lately?

As usual, the power struggle is real with the Snow Queen and the ascending sister of Spring. It's was a beautiful one here and to be in the 60's all this week, possibly 70's by the weeks end.  After a wet, dark and windy one last week. Spring arrived the week before, but then disappeared again, only to reappear this weekend!!! What's going on spring???  Even though it's supposed to be warm and sunny, I have the feeling I may keep one or two winter coats out just in case. But I have bright views ahead and off to meet with a client today for freelance design work. In the meantime...let us temp Spring some more shall we?