GAG Magazine

the fashion issue
from elegant dresses to couture costumes
CHRIS MARCH
beautiful, confident super-model
MISS FAME
october twenty-thirteen, issue two

52 //
WONDER WO(MAN)
From a finalist on Project Runway, his own Bravo reality
show, to a Target store near you, Chris March’s career is
anything but a drag. We give you a peak into the creative
mind behind all the Mad Fashion.
44 //
THE RISE TO FAME
Drag and fashions new IT girl, Miss Fame, takes us on a
stunning visual journey through her galaxy of glamour,
fashion and couture. Get lost in her orbit in this GAG
exclusive pictorial by Marcelo Cantu Photography.
On the cover:
Miss Fame
Photography by Marcelo Cantu Photography
Nails by Marisa Carmicheal
Wigs by Bobbie Cliffton Zlotnik
Designer: Elias J. Gutierrez
Makeup by Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen
CONTENTS
volume one, issue two

NOW SERVING
5 // Letter from the Editor
6 // Back Talk
9 // GAGmagazine.com
IN EVERY ISSUE
20 // It Dragstar
25 // Ask Edna Jean
76 // Drag-o-sphere
78 // D.I.D.
THE PULSE
12 // Scene
15 // News
16 // Swag
LIFE
66 // Download
69 // Library
70 // Ear Candy
72 // Extravaganzas
30 //
ON THE ROAD
Drag queen and aspiring fashion
designer, Aaliyah Skyy, is on the road to
a career where fashion and drag collide.
We hitch a ride as she packs up her bags
and heads West to take on her dreams
of building a couture fashion line in the
city that never sleeps.
38 //
SPIKED
FUMES
Hard. Edgy. Glam. With a serious
innovative twist. GAG brings you an
exclusive look at the woman behind
one of the most sought after editorial
accessory lines, Shannon, of Gasoline
Glamour.

BRANDI AMARA SKYY
Editor in Chief
PAUL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG
Creative Director
Contributing Writers:
Brandi Amara Skyy
Candace Collins
Edna Jean Robinson
Paul Michael Armstrong
Cover Photographer:
Marcelo Cantu Photography
Contributing Photographers:
Aaliyah Skyy
Andrew Losh & Hazzard Strange
Chuck Marcelo
Danielle DeBruno
Lucima
Marcelo Cantu Photography
Skywritting Media
State of Emergency

letter from the editor
Fashion + Drag = Two of my favorite things.
I love fashion as much as I love drag, but I think I love drag just a little more.
Why? Maybe it’s the limitless creative freedom, or the hyper excess of everything,
or maybe it’s because through drag you can learn much more about fashion than
the other way around.
When we stop to think about, so much of drag is couture—wigs, costumes,
tipping outfits, make-up—that it just makes sense that drag be labeled as couture.
There are those, of course, that would disagree.
In our first fashion issue, GAG editorially explores the lines of where fashion
ends and costume begins. Can costume be fashion? Is fashion boring without
the drama of a smidge of costume? For Gasoline Glamour, it depends on who
you ask. For Miss Fame, she is a living example of what the love child of fashion
and costume would look like. And then there’s Chris March; whose career alone
proves that there are no hard lines between anything—blurring fashion, drag,
and costume all into one fabulously leopard wrapped package.
GAG Magazine was birthed from my deep love and admiration of both
haute fashion and couture drag. GAG is my contribution to the never-ending
discussion/debate surrounding fashion and costume.
And from the looks of the pages and editorials that follow, you can clearly see
where my loyalties lie.
Yours in drag AND fashion,
Brandi Amara Skyy

6 // back talk
I just read GAG again . . . GAG is
poignant, best friend! And beautiful!
And it needs to be in print!
- Jenna Skyy
GAG really has beautiful imagery,
great articles, and a fantastic layout
and design!
- Cher Musico
Groundbreaking OVAHNESS!!!!!!
Once again, Brandi Amara Skyy has
“shook the dice and stole the rice.”
With the debut of her new online
(for now) magazine, GAG. The Texas
diva has not only given the drag community
an alternative opportunity to
showcase themselves on a national
level, but has developed an exciting
new magazine for even the most casual
fan. It’s an all-inclusive format:
queens, kings, male, female, whatever
genre of illusion you wish- it’s all
there in the pages of GAG. Stylish.
Smart. Intelligent. A tour-de-force. A
MUST read.
- Ally Greer
My first impression of GAG was, “It’s
about time!” I’m impressed with the
concept and I believe the local scene
is incredibly fortunate to have such a
rich array of personalities investing
so much of themselves, their precious
time -- and finances -- into walking
works of art!
- Raine Davis
I am GAGging for GAG magazine.
It’s exactly what my magazine collection
was missing—some gay glamor.
This magazine will serve you some
serious fish and then some!
- Jesse Jynx
GAG is an exciting, vibrant and
unique concept showcasing real people
within our community doing
what they love. I couldn’t be prouder
to be queer! I am GAGging!!!!
- Manny Castro
My first impression of GAG was that
it was as flawlessly diverse as it was
lush. I expected it to be aesthetically
pleasing, but was surprised by the
depth beyond the design. GAG engaged
every aspect of me: the activist,
the performer, the producer, the
transguy, and the life-long learner.
Absolutely inspiring.
- Ephraim Freese
I just read your premiere issue of
GAG. I loved it! I want to explore my
drag persona and one day perform. I
have no clue where to start and just
have so many ideas in my head. I am
currently in the Army. Well I say currently
like I just joined. I have been in
the Army for 12 years. I lived in a box
of what I was supposed to do, how I
was supposed to act, and learned how
to tweak my happiness to appease everyone
around me. However, when I
see a drag performer of any sex, I just
want to explode. Tears rolled down
my cheeks as I went from page to
page of your magazine. Reading it, as
I pictured parts of myself transforming,
feels like that breath you take
before pure pleasure sets in. Thank
you so much for publishing this. You
have truly made my day complete in
so many ways.
- Ashly Martin
A note from the editor:
There are a couple of corrections
from our July 2013 issue...
In our feature, Blood and Roses, a
photo of Stella Rose on page 28 was
incorrectly attributed. This photo is
by Elisabet Davidsdottir.
In our News section, the “Blurred
Lines” parody video on page 13 was
incorrectly attributed. The parody
that had us GAGging was produced
and performed by Mod Carousel.

LAUNCHING 2013
w w w.lashmoxie.com

ON THE ROAD
TO FAME
Get to know the people
behind the fame. Miss Fame’s
power creative team is made
up of some of the hottest
names in fashion: Bobbie
Cliffton Zlotnik (left) the wig
maker, Marisa Carmichael
(center) the nail creator, and
Elias J. Gutierrez (right) frock
designer. The best part? You
too can give your drag that
extra fame boost by becoming
their clients!! Find out how at
www.gagmagazine.com.
WIGGING OUT
Send us your Chris March
wig pics! We will be posting
our favorites at gagmagazine.
com/chrismarch
Photo courtesy of Getty
Images.
gagmagazine.com // 9
TOILET INTERVIEWS
MORE EDNA JEAN!!!!!YOU asked for
it and we are SERVING it up to YA! Join
Edna Jean’s alter ego, Richard Curtin, in
an intimate setting with your favorite
drag stars & celebrities, up close and
personal, in a place you’ve NEVER seen
them before: the Rose Room bathroom!
VOICE YOUR OPINION
Before we begin planning for our
world take over in 2014, we want to
hear from you. Give us the good,
the bad, and the flawless. Head over
to our site to take our short survey.
Added bonus: once you complete
the survey you will be entered for a
chance to win a year subscription to
GAG’s print version launching 2014.
Now that’s something to GAG about.

12 // scene
FASHION’S NEW IT GIRL:
CARMEN CARRERA!
Photo: W Magazine, August 2013
BIG BAD LLAMAS’NECROPOLIS
STARRING MANILA LUZON.
TOP 5 DESIGNERS THAT
EVERY DRAG QUEEN,
KING, AND DRAGSTERS
IN-BETWEEN SHOULD
KNOW.
1. Alexander McQueen
2. Bob Recine (Hair)
3. Guo Pei
4. Philip Treacy
5. Bob Mackie (You’d be surprised
how many people do not know
this man’s BRILLIANCE!)

STRAIGHT YEARS PROJECT
We love Logo for so many different reasons and
this new Tumblr definitely tops our reasons why.
Logo recently launched the Straight Years Project
where now out and proud gays can post photos of
themselves in their once upon a time straight days.
Join in on the fun by submitting your photo (WE
DID!) or just take a walk down the trying-to-bestraight-and-narrow
lives of others. Either way this
project confirms what us gays already knew: we
weren’t foolen’ anybody!
AIR FORCE GOES DRAG!
The U.S. Air Force in LA added some extra glamour
to their “Diversity Day.” Drag group “Jewels and the
Brunchettes” were invited to perform on August
8th. While the Right wasn’t too happy about the
event (they are asking their supporters to write to
the Secretary of the Air Force, Eric Fanning), Peggy
Hodge, a spokeswoman for the Public Affairs office
said, “Drag acts to this day represent the struggle for
freedom and equality of the LGBT community, while
at the same time providing a deep-rooted historical
form of entertainment for the LGBT culture.”
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
The most talked
about and controversial
lesbian
movie is set to
be released in the
US on October
25th. The French
language film
won top honors
at Cannes and
jury president,
Steven Spielberg,
called the film,
“magnificent.”
The film is rated
NC-17 for its “explicit
sexual content.”
news // 15
TRANSGENDER HOMECOMING QUEEN
A huge step for LGBT youth and the transgender
community was made on Friday September 20th. Cassidy
Lynn Campbell is believed to be the first transgender
homecoming queen in US History. Campbell spoke
to local media KTLA-TV about her decision to run, “I
realized it wasn’t for me anymore and I was doing this
for so many people all around the county and the state
and possibly the world and I am so proud to win this not
just for me, but everyone out there.” It DOES get better.
Cassidy Lynn Campbell is living proof.

16 // swag
HOW THE CAGE QUEEN SINGS
R.O.Y.A.L.T.Y. That’s what you’ll look like in this hair creation. Why? Because
Fairytale Couture is the GOD of couture headwear. All looks are made to
order and each one is bigger, bolder, and more flawless than the last. This is
fantasy hair at its fiercest!!! ($899, etsy.com/shop/PoshFairytaleCouture)
WEAR YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE
Supersized bacon slices, unicorn clouds, and bananas!?! Who wouldn’t want to
sport this fantasy wear? Looking for a way to get your face out there? Beloved
offers customize shirts so you can make sure that YOUR face is the one on
everyone’s . . . chest. ($29, belovedshirts.com)
SHOP UNTITLED NYC
The only coat you will ever need. Seriously.
Handmade out of wool and leather. This coat
will make you look and feel like you just warped
out of The Matrix mixed with The Fifth Element.
Neo ain’t got nothing on you. (Price available
upon request, (212) 228-5166)
WOOF COUTURE
Fashion is going to the dogs.
Lola Canine Couture is the
ultimate in pooch panache.
Made out of plush velvet,
tulle, and rhinestone buttons.
Why? Because a sense of
fashion and couture shouldn’t
be reserved for just us fashion
forward humans. ($175,
lolacaninecouture.com)
HAIR SHAZAAM!
Bang. POW. Kazaam! The ultimate
in comic cool. Janine’s headbands
add a PUNCH to your headgear.
Headbands not your thing? Not to
worry. She has crowns, bows, and
lots of other glitter goods to get you
GAGging! ($130, janinebasil.com)

20 // it dragstar
The Empress
Veruca la’Piranha
GAG: You are pretty well known in
Pittsburgh and New York for your
impeccable fashion sense. How would
you describe your style?
VERUCA: To use a word I hate:
eclectic. I’m a bit all over the map
when it comes to personal style, and
like a chameleon, always changing. I
don’t follow trends, they follow me.
Fear no fashion.
GAG: Who are your fashion
inspirations?
VERUCA: Junya Watanabe, John
Galliano, Leigh Bowrey, Courtney
Love, and little girls whose parents
let them dress themselves.
GAG: With the variety of looks that
you go through, what is your process
the day of a show? Is it thought out
well in advance or what you are feeling
when you start digging through the
piles of options you have?
VERUCA: A little from column A,
and a little from column B. I’ve always
got a concept in mind, but everything
is subject to change.
GAG: Speaking of performances, you
are quite the artist on stage as well. Can
you talk a little about your musical
choices and what your thought process
is like about the performance itself?
VERUCA: Drag and performance are
different for everyone, some queens
do shock, some do satire, and some
do parody. Personally, I don’t enjoy
laughter from the crowd, I like to be
taken seriously and evoke emotion
from my audience. Performance for
me is walking onto a stage and casting
a spell, people don’t usually expect
seriousness from a drag queen, and
I love that. The songs I choose are
heartfelt, whatever emotions I’m
p h o t o // pa g e 21
s tat e of emergency
p h o t o // pa g e 22
s k y w r i t t i n g media

going through at the time come out
on stage, and that makes for a killer
performance because it’s honest. I lip
sync because I can’t sing, and I only
choose songs that I love and wish I
had written or sung myself.
GAG: When was your first show and
what was that like?
VERUCA: Oh lord! 2003 I believe. It
was a benefit show for the Pittsburgh
AIDS Task Force. I was terrified,
like TERRIFIED, until the second
the spotlight hit me and the crowd
screamed, and then it just felt like
slipping on an old pair of shoes,
comfortable. I remember asking to
do more numbers; I never wanted off
that stage or out of those lights!
GAG: What lead you to start doing
drag?
VERUCA: Disappointment within
the drag community. Ten years
ago drag was very, VERY boring.
Colorless, dull, unimaginative.
I remember being a 17-year-old
runaway; living with a drag queen
in her parents’ attic, and Pink had
just come out. I said to her [my drag
queen friend], “you should get a pink
wig if you’re going to do one of her
songs” and she said, “oh girl, no. That’s
‘club drag’ and I don’t do that.” and I
thought, how stupid? She has PINK
HAIR!!! It’s not being a “campy”
queen; it’s just proper imitation of the
artist. But that’s how drag was back
then, in Pittsburgh anyway, so I took
to the scene to bring some color back
to drag, and to show people that just
because you dress like a clown doesn’t
mean you’re something to laugh at.
GAG: How do you feel you’ve evolved
since then?
VERUCA: I’ve refined my style,
while still staying true to myself. I
used to be very junky and trashy, too
many accessories and such. When I
first hit the scene, no one looked like
me or dressed like me, so it was easy
to just throw on something wild and
skimpy, with a pair of stripper shoes,
and steal the show. My looks are far
more thought out and inspired these
days, and cohesive from head to toe.
You won’t catch this girl in a cut-up
denim micro mini and a straplessbra
anytime soon! (That was my
signature look for about the first 2
years…)
GAG: What do you feel is your biggest
accomplishment?
VERUCA: SO many things, but to
narrow it down, I lived in NYC for
2 years, did drag 7 days a week, and
LITERALLY never wore the same
thing twice. Which is a foreign
concept for NYC queens, and
understandably so. It’s a huge city,
and you could rock the same look
for a week straight and never get
called out for it, but that’s just not
my bag baby. Most queens thought I
was crazy for doing it, and that I was
‘wasting my time’ and ‘wasting good
looks’ on bad parties, but I didn’t care
and I just kept doing it. Eventually it’s
what made me famous, and it became
a running joke that people would
it dragstar // 23
look for the witch tattoo on my chest
to make sure it was me because I
looked so different every time I went
out. GAG bitches.
GAG: How can readers continue
gagging on your eleganza?
VERUCA: I’m “empressveruca” on
Twitter, Vine, Instagram, and Tumblr
(follow me!). I’m in NYC every couple
of months for marathon drag weeks
with Misty Meaner and Mocha Lite
(two of the fiercest, hardest working
bitches in the city!) and I can be seen
out and about in Pittsburgh at the
Blue Moon, There Ultra Lounge, and
Brillobox. I also co-host Drag Talk
with my sister Mahogany la’Piranha
on Gaylife TV from time to time.

Dear Edna Jean,
My boyfriend and I just moved in
together. All is going so well but
we argue every morning about the
toothpaste. He rolls it from the bottom
and I squeeze from the middle. I often
leave the top off too and it just drives
him crazy! I can’t seem to remember
to do it his way. What do you suggest?
- Morning Arguments
Dear Squeezer,
The answer is simple: Get your own
tube of toothpaste and use it like you
want to use it. In fact, put YOUR
toothpaste in YOUR own drawer or
cabinet or shaving kit. He will have
his to roll and you will have yours to
squeeze. Girl! I know y’all can come
up with better things to do in the
morning. Don’t forget to floss.
Dear Edna Jean,
I recently watched your Ru-jection
video for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Please
tell me you are going to continue to
audition for the show?
- Lovin RuPaul’s Drag Race
Dear Lovin,
I have auditioned twice: last year
and this coming season. Both times:
RU-JECTED! Yes! I will continue
to audition for my chance to act
ridiculous on TV. If you would like
more of me, please check out my
YouTube channels, Seismication
and RichardandEdnaJean. The Rose
Room toilet interviews are a lot of
fun and many of the RuPaul girls
have been interviewed. Can I get an
Amen?
Dear Edna Jean,
It seems to me that in recent years,
more and more men are doing drag
and at much earlier ages. What is the
increased attraction?
- Skirt Chaser
Dear Skirt Chaser,
Well apparently, lucky for you.
The increased attraction? A
higher visability and appreciation
for the art form combined with
a higher understanding of being
transgendered. Rupaul’s Drag Race
is sashaying drag into homes across
America and beyond all the while,
a group of young adults are wanting
to experience the glamorous life of
being a drag queen. Drag is no longer
only accepted on Halloween. Throw
a party and invite all your guest,
young and old, to come in drag. Even
you! Once you tucked your privates,
you will have a greater appreciation
too! Happing Chasing!
Dear Edna Jean,
Do you have a favorite Rose Room
cast member?
- Just Want to Know
Dear Nosy,
Why, Yes, I do.
Love,
Edna Jean
ask edna jean // 25
submit your questions to askednajean@gagmagazine.com

GET
INTO
IT

Fashion
Skyy. Gasoline. Fame. March.
From the humble beginnings of
a dream in fashion, to battles
between artist vs. their art, through
the lands of fame, to the ultimate
pinnacle of success—a thriving
career without losing oneself—
these four artist epitomize the Gay
Art of Glamour in their own unique
ways.
Get ready to sashay down THEIR
runway.

ON THE
ROAD
In the spirit of Kerouac, Dallas, Texas native, Aaliyah
Skyy, packed her bags and headed down the road where
fashion and drag collide.

“I was halfway across
America, at the dividing
line between the East of
my youth and the West of
my future” (Jack Kerouac,
On the Road)
Designs, styling and
photography by
Aaliyah Skyy.

”
I made the conscious
decision to use my
creativity to better
myself and my drag.
I picked up a needle
and thread and began
working on my first
costume.
”

”
Fashion is by far the
most diverse and
unique form of
self-expression . . .
that is of course
except for drag.
”

Gasoline Glamour is a one
woman show.
The woman behind
the curtain, “timeless”-year old
Shannon. Gasoline Glamour is every
bit Shannon’s brainchild who started
off as a buyer and in her own words,
“saw what was out there and thought
I could do it better. I figured putting
my two cents in couldn’t hurt.”
It didn’t.
“I wanted a good juxtaposition
of 2 words. One being fiery and
bold while the other temepered
it with a little lady, a whole lotta
leather hell on high heels.”
Her designs and pieces are sought
after by celebrities and photographers
alike. Justin Bieber, Eve, Nicki Minaj
have all sported her designs. Her
accessories have been photographed
and appeared in Vogue Espana, Cover
Girl Ads, and YRB Magazine (and
that’s not even the tip of the iceberg).
Yet, none of the press has gone to
her head. She doesn’t have a favorite
celebrity look—why would she? Each
one is unique and a distinct piece of
art in and of itself. Nor will she allow
herself that Holy-Shit- I’ve-Made-It
moment, “I don’t think I will ever
really truly allow myself to feel that
feeling. If I did I would stop creating.”
Shannon herself is sort of an enigma.
She’s quick to mention that she’s
“allergic to photos” and keeps her
words to a necessary minimum—
giving you only what you need to
know. Shannon is the kind of artiste
that intuitively knows when the work
is good, the art speaks for itself.
She is an artist in the truest sense
of the word. Her thoughts on her
aesthetic? “It is what it is.” Where she
gets her ideas? “If I could tell you
where the ideas come from I would,
but I can’t. They just happen . . .” Are
her accessories wearable art? For
Shannon, it depends on who you ask.
“Art is only art if people decide that
it is. To some art is a soup can. To
others art is a roaring nasty motor. . .”
While art can be deliberated,
Shannon’s creative gift and eye for
design is not. Her collections are the
REAL DEAL. Every item in her store
is handmade, made to order, and
touched by her hands only.
While others might try to paint a
pretty rainbow about their industry,
Shannon is a tell-it-like-it-is woman.
When asked about what advice she
would give to a newcomer in the
couture accessory biz she took a pass
and instead offered up reality, “the
industry is tough. BEWARE.”
Gasoline Glamour is tough, smart,
glamorous, industrial and full of
contradictions that shouldn’t work,
but do.
Bottom line: Who Gasoline Glamour
is is not nearly as important as what
Gasoline Glamour is: spiked, stoned,
chained, feathered, lux, creative,
couture, and “all the good velvety bits
in [her] brain.”
Photography: Danielle DeBruno
Stylist: Jimi Uruiaga
Makeup Artist: Natasha Chamberlin
Hair Stylist: Molly Deimeke
Nail Artist: Maria Garay
Photo Assistant: Max Bangora

FROM A FARM IN CALIFORNIA
TO THE RUNWAYS OF NEW YORK,
HERE’S A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK OF
THE
RISE
TO
FAME

Photography by Marcelo Cantu Photography
Nails by Marisa Carmicheal
Wigs by Bobbie Cliffton Zlotnik
Designer: Elias J. Gutierrez
Long Sleeve Gold Gown Design by Babatunde Ajiboye
Makeup by Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen

ON INSPIRATION:
My grandmother was from
Mexico and my grandfather was
from Denmark which brought
cultural depth to my home
environment. This inspired my
desire to see the many different
places on this earth; I relied on
movies and magazines to take
me to places full of culture and
fantasy. I believe my upbringing
inspired my openness to
diversity and creativity.

ON NAMING:
Cosmic signs along life’s path
were to name me, after just
reading the book The Secret
which talks about setting
your intension for greatness.
I needed a name that was to
set my standard . . . something
femme and powerful what came
to me was Fame Fatale. Shortly
after Britney Spears had an
album with the same name
and I decided to adjust - which
evolved into Miss Fame.

ON WHAT SCARES HER:
(Aside from daytime drag),
expectations. To be honest, they
lead to resentment and I have
no time for darkness in my light!

ON DRAG:
Be nice to other Queens, we are
in this together.

ON THE RISE TO FAME:
I am so grateful for the support
of my fans; they are fueling
the Rise to Fame and keep me
trudging the path. I am excited
to see what I can do in this vessel
and how I can carry my message
to inspire.

ON THE FUTURE:
I don’t feel I have done as much
as I would like; I still feel like I am
in the embryonic stages at times.
I do believe I am a participating
painter of my canvas and that
cosmic energy guides my every
move. I see the light ahead and
keep walking, fiercely!

WONDER
WO(MAN)

Chris March
is a lot of
things: fashion
designer,
wig and hair
constructor,
costume creator,
drag queen,
author, musical show producer
and star, and now a commercially
successful designer and brand. But
there is one thing Chris March is not:
a one trick pony. After capturing
our hearts with both his humor
and unforgettable laugh, March has
managed to do what seems impossible
for most reality TV stars: outlive (and
out shine) his TV persona by not
falling into reality has-been status or
selling his artistic integrity or soul to
remain on the “IT” list by creating
scandals or sex tapes.
Since his appearance on season
four of Project Runway, he has
stared in his own Bravo reality
show Mad Fashion, designed not one,
but TWO red carpet looks for the
screen goddess herself, Meryl Streep,
and created for THE names in the
music industry: Beyonce and Lady
Gaga to name a few.
a chris march is a rarity.
In a world where the rules of fashion
differ from the rules of drag and
costume, Chris March defies them
ALL by bridging all three worlds
with his body of works. A fashion
icon and couturier in his own right,
March weaves fashion into costume,
costume into drag and drag into
fashion . . . exquisitely.
Chris marches to the beats of his own
creations . . .
and we wouldn’t have it any other
way.
Brandi Amara Skyy sits down with
Chris March to get to know the
person behind his wonderland of
colors, fabrics, wigs, pads, and, yes,
triple digit boobs.
Photos courtesy of Chris March.

GAG: In this issue of GAG,
we are tackling the debate
of where the lines are drawn
between costume and fashion. Where
do you think fashion ends and costume
begins?
CM: Costume is definitely a
heightened version of fashion. As
Nina Garcia once said, some great
costume designers have become
amazing fashion designers.
I look at it this way—if you’re wearing
something to be noticed, it’s a
costume. If you’re wearing something
to blend in, it’s fashion.
GAG: That’s a really great way to
look at it. So how do YOU make a
distinction between the two?
CM: This is tough—people generally
equate costume with cheap or poorly
made. I have literally seen one
Broadway costume that cost over
$60,000! It was a work of art. Fashion
is less specific and less character
driven than costume. Costume is an
art that pertains to a world of defining
character, whereas fashion is simply a
reflection of the times as it pertains to
daily dress for specific occasions.
GAG: I notice on shows like Project
Runway and RuPaul’s Drag Race that
they say “costumey” as if it’s a bad
thing. So where is the line?
CM: First, it’s probably best not to get
your design information from reality
television. They say what they need
to say for ratings. Like I said, they
use “costumey” as a euphemism for
cheap or tacky . . . and definitely not
chic.
GAG: Do you have a preference as to
which you like designing most?
CM: I prefer designing anything
clever so that goes more towards

costume . . . but a fabulous red carpet
look slays me too!
GAG: How would you describe your
design aesthetic?
CM: I have always been considered
outrageous, so I guess I would say
I’m perceived as humorous and over
the top . . . But I personally describe
it as making an “UNFORGETTABLE
Impression.”
GAG: Speaking about “unforgettable
impressions” . . . From costumes
to fashion to hair, you do a lot of
unforgettable kind of looks and
designs. Do you prefer one kind of
design over another?
CM: It very much depends on
the project and the client. I enjoy
clever costuming the most. I enjoy
knocking the breath out of someone
with a look!
GAG: We all know that your favorite
color is leopard (is it still?), but what
is your favorite look that you ever
created?
CM: Of course I love leopard
(especially from head to foot)! But my
favorite still has be Wonder Woman .
. . my costume just seemed to make
people go crazy. I think they love her
power combined with humor.
GAG: What has been your most
outlandish outfit request?
CM: As you can imagine, I have
had many outrageous requests over
the years. One of which was a dress
made of television sets, dresses made
of fresh salad, chocolate, and even a
giant dancing can of Crisco. (And yes,
I made the dancing can of Crisco!)
GAG: I LOVE how elements of drag
are weaved into your design aesthetic
and life. For instance, last November

you donned a bit of drag in your “Chris
March’s the Butt-Cracker Suite.” Tell
us a little more about your drag career.
CM: I started dressing in drag when
I was three (yes, THREE). The
glorification and expression of the
power of the female image has always
appealed to me. I started wearing
drag seriously as an adult when I
couldn’t find anyone else who would
wear my outrageous ideas. I started
winning costume contests, which
led to a career in costuming. People
thought I was funny, so I was invited
to be in some theater shows. That led
me to New York and eventually into
fashion design as well. I still do drag,
but most places now want me to look
like me, so it’s difficult to really do
it right without shaving (!). I used
to dress up to be recognized, now I
dress up to hide . . .
GAG: You’ve designed for some of
the hottest celebs. Has there been
a celebrity request for your designs
where you thought to yourself, “Holy
shit! I’ve made it!?!?!?”
CM: I really thought I had made it
when I did a project with Madonna,
and then Beyonce, then Lady Gaga,
and then I worked with Meryl Streep.
She came along and blew them all
away. Her white dress for the 2010
Oscars was truly an unexplainably
mind blowing moment in my life.
She is just SO incredible, not just as a
celebrity, but as a person as well.
GAG: The dress was GORGEOUS!
In addition to designing you are now
an author. Tell us what your book, I
Heart Chris March, is about?
CM: It’s a photographic trip through
my world of wild costumes from the
last 25 years. Definitely FUN!!
GAG: You’ve been SO successful at
what you do. What advice would
you give to an up-and-coming drag
performer who creates their own looks
and wants to break into the world of
fashion?
CM: I would make sure you want to
work in fashion (it is a less creative
world—it’s called the garment
“industry” for a reason) and then go
out and get some practical experience.
GAG: Final question, but THE MOST
IMPORTANT ONE! Do you still
incorporate the words “Stevie Nicks”
into your designs?
CM: ABSOLUTELY! She “blesses”
everything I make (and have made
for the last twenty years). A friend
recently contacted her on my behalf
and explained the whole thing to
her and she sent me a personalized
autographed poster!!

66 // download
Ever wish there was a catch all space
that housed all the latest drag news?
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone else
put together—say a newspaper—in
an online format with a user friendly
layout so all YOU had to do was
click on a link to find out every and
anything you need to know about
drag? THERE IS!!!
THE DAILY DRAG
GAZZETTE
HTTP://PAPER.LI/DRAGGAZETTE/
The Daily Drag Gazette surfs the
world of Twitter bring to you the
best T in dragland on a daily basis.
That’s right. Every day you have
instant access to cutting-edge stories,
news, photos, and videos in the
Twittersphere. Want to know the
latest drag news? Check out The Drag
Gazzette’s front page full of the day’s
top need-to-know stories. Reading
not your thing? Click on over to
the photos section where you’ll find
a cornucopia of drag glamour—
everything from make-up tips to
the freshest and fiercest queens in
the biz. Plus they have an archive of
videos GALORE! And who doesn’t
LOVE a good drag parody?!
Did I mention that all this drag-olicious-ness
is FREE? Yep, it costs
you nada to access this vault of drag
goodies!
Easy to use. Easy to navigate. And
the easiest way to stay abreast of the
all the hottest happenings in drag.
And who knows? You might just see
yourself within its pages one day!

NINE YOUTUBE VIDEOS
THAT WILL HAVE YOU
GAGGING!
1. Kelly Mantle - My Neck, My
Back (Lick It) - Official Music
Video
2. Icona Pop - All Night (Official
Extended Video)
3. Cher - Woman’s World -
RuPaul’s Drag Race Remix -
LogoTV
4. secretprojectrevolution
5. Showgirl | Starring Carmen
Carrera | By Steven Meisel -
W magazine
6. Subcultures - Drag Queens Ft.
Raja Gemini and Vicky Vox
7. Christina Bianco Diva
Impressions ‘Total Eclipse Of
The Heart’
8. James St. James and Manila
Luzon: Transformations
9. Shangela surprises Kaycee Rice
See all the videos at
gagmagazine.com/life
1
3
8

ADVANCED STYLE
BY ARI SETH COHEN
Who says that fashion has to stop at a
particular age? Not these fashionistas!
Ari Seth Cohen gives you a glimpse
into the world of street fashion as
told by those individuals who have
experienced life . . . flawlessly. Filled
with inspiration that age does not
equate to style or panache, Cohen
proves that just because you’re 60 or
above doesn’t mean that you have to
surrender your haute drag couture
self.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN:
EVOLUTION
BY KATHERINE GLEASON
THE book for any couture, fashion,
and especially McQueen fan. From
the humble beginnings of his 1992
graduate collection inspired by Jack
the Ripper, to his 2011 Posthumous
Collection, this book takes you on a
visual and emotional journey of all
thirty-six shows of this couture icon.
Stunning photography, intimate
stories, sprinkled with McQueen’s
words, Evolution, gives you a glimpse
at the genius behind the fantasy.
the library // 69
LADY GAGA:
CRITICAL MASS FASHION
BY LIZZY GOODMAN
Love her or hate her, Gaga is a style
icon who never shies away from
obscure fashion. Critical Mass is a
lux photo filled book that charts
some of Gaga’s most inspired and
unique fashions. If you are in need of
inspiration or just walk down Gaganostalgia
lane, Critical Mass is your
one way ticket to the Fame.

70 // ear candy
NATALIA KILLS
TROUBLE
If you haven’t heard or checked out
Natalia Kills, well, you pretty much
need to. This dark pop princess is
serving it in her second studio album,
Trouble. Keeping with her sound of
bubblegum mixed with a little bit of
the fierce things that go bum in the
night, Natalia Kills explores a deeper
level of lyrical creativity with her
smart concepts and strong voice. The
only Problem with her sophomore
album is that you won’t be able to get
enough.
ICONA POP
THIS IS...
Fabulous! That’s what it is. Icona Pop
met the anticipation from their single,
“I Love It” featuring Charli XCX, with
an album full of EDM-influenced,
Euro new wave pop amazing-ness.
From beginning to end, This Is…
keeps the energy high and creates
a party in your head. Whether you
are driving to work or doing body
shots off a stripper, this album has
a vibe that will keep you bouncing.
(Also, check out GAGmagazine.com
for our Nine YouTube Videos That
Will Have You GAGging to see the
second single, “All Night,” from This
Is… serving some serious ballroom
realness.)
OH LAND
WISHBONE
Simple. Soft. Ethereal. This third
album from Danish “left-field pop”
artist, Oh Land, utilizes repetitive
electronica beats and synth to accent
the delicate vocals for an otherworldly
sound. If you’ve never
listened to Oh Land, don’t start
with this album. Oh Land’s previous
albums have a little more range and
variety; however, this album is really
good, so once you get to it then you’ll
be very pleased. If you’re familiar
with Oh Land, you’ll love it because
you know she is amazing.

CHVRCHES
THE BONES OF WHAT YOU
BELIEVE
Welcome to your new obsession. The
beautiful synthpop sounds, melodic
vocals and dynamic lyrics make this
debut album from Chvrches a smash!
Lyrically, this album is on point. Being
so relatable, the words blend together
to create a scene that is evoked even
further with the poetic chirps and
bangs of the beats the will sweep you
away. This a sensational first album
and it is almost a foreshadow of the
fantastic things that are to come from
Chvrches.
ELLIE GOULDING
HALCYON DAYS
This deluxe version of Ellie Goulding’s
2012 album, Halcyon, adds ten
amazing tracks to the previously
amazing album. Goulding serves up
some of the clubby sound that we
all love when she was featured on
Calvin Harris’ “I Need Your Love,”
but we still get to delve into the depth
that is Gouldings emotions with her
flawlessly heavy lyrics throughout the
album. If nothing else, Halcyon Days
give us a variety that is not possible to
not appreciate (but you automatically
will because it’s a freaking good
album).
CHER
CLOSER TO THE TRUTH
With her first album release in twelve
years, Cher is unstoppable. The album
starts off with tracks that are sure to
be remixed over and over and played
at clubs on repeat. Cher then ends
the album with some ballads. Now,
nothing bad can be said about Cher
(especially here because she probably
has a gay mafia that could shut the
magazine down quicker than you can
say the diva’s name) and this album is
not different. The main reason being
that the entire album is so soaked in
Cher that its genuineness could make
even the least exciting track a sure
fire chart topper.

72 // extravaganzas
OCTOBER
Castro Street Fair
6th, San Francisco, CA
Celebrating its 40th anniversary with Peaches performing
on the main stage. This is one party you DON’T want to
miss! Visit www.castrostreetfair.org for more information.
Mr. Gay USofA
16th-18th, San Antonio, TX, The Saint
Beautiful and talented men from all over the country
compete for one of the most coveted titles and YOU can
have a front row seat! Visit www.mrgayusofa.com for
more information.
Caven Halloween Block Party
26th, Dallas, TX
This gay holiday aka street party is second only to PRIDE
(although we know a few who would beg to differ). Visit
www.partyattheblock.com for more information.
Photo by Chuck Marcelo
NOVEMBER
Palm Springs PRIDE
2nd -3rd, Palm Springs, CA
Never been to Palm Springs? Well here’s the perfect excuse!
Plus Ross Mathews is the celebrity Grand Marshal? We’re
there! Visit www.pspride.org for more information.
Mr. International Rubber
8th -10th, Chicago, IL
Kinks from around the world gather for what’s sure to be
a whipping good time! Visit www.mirubber.com for more
information.
Drag Stars at Sea Drag Cruise
November 30 – December 7
Al and Chuck Travel are bringing you THE ultimate
collection of drag goddesses: Raja, Sharon Needles, and
Jinkx Monsoon just to name a few. Visit www.alandchuck.
travel for more information.
DECEMBER
World AIDS Day
1st, World Wide
Visit www.worldaidsday.org for events near you.
New Year’s Eve
December 31st, World Wide
JANUARY
GAG Magazine
Drag’s Rising Stars Issue 3 out online and NOW IN
STORES!

FAUX QUEEN PAGEANT
September 14, San Francisco CA
Slims
Photos by Andrew Losh & Hazzard
Strange of Strange Productions.
By Brandi Amara Skyy
It was a night full of glitter, camp,
competition, gowns, fierceness, and
BOOBS! Yes BOOBS!
That could only mean one thing
hunties! It’s time for the annual San
Francisco Faux Queen Pageant!!
This year’s the pageant was coproduced
with L Ron Hubby with
a theme for the storybooks: Sisters
Grimm.
The pageant was held at Slims
and was truly a community event.
Cameron Eng made sure that show
ran smoothly, contestants knew
what they were doing and brought a
never-ending rainbow of happiness
wherever he glided into focus.
Yours truly had the best seat in the
house; at the judges table! I was next
to last year’s winner Lady Satan and
Martiny Downsize. The judges table
was filled with the Who’s Who in
the world of faux drag. Queen of
camp Holy McGrail in her custom
royal crown-o-weave, the bombshell
herself Deena Davenport, one of San
Francisco’s original faux queens,
Trixxie Car was sporting Poca-cuntas
realness, and the founder and first
producer of the Faux Queen Pageant,
Ruby Toosday, graced us all with her
shiny tinsel hair presence.
The evening started off with a mouth
full of pie in the first annual pieeating
contest hosted by X. Heklina
and Wendy Plains took over hosting
duties as the competition began!
Each contestant brought FULL OUT
DRAG packages in both their runway
wear and talent. Highlights of the
Runway included Vesper Synd’s
red latex fairytale couture, Hazzard
Strange’s corseted horned greenhaired
realness, and Cara Couture’s
fire and Game of Thrones inspired
STUNNING gown.
Talent ranged from Agorafauxbia,
all the way from Australia, singing
a live, campy number to a rag to
riches story a la Annie brought to
you by the fabulously talented Frida
K-Hole. Hazzard Strange gave a
riveting drama filled performance
to “Jar of Hearts.” Little Red Riding
Hood and the Big Bad Wolves made a
special guest appearance in Gurleen’s
sickening dance and storybook
inspired talent and the audience was
privy to not one, but TWO visits
under the sea. Anita Fallace brought
us the Little Mermaid classic “Part of
Your World” while Princess Cream
Pie created her own lyrics in her
show review // 73
parody “Parts of a Girl.”
Bonnie Tyler’s “I Need a Hero” was
also a popular song choice with both
Bonersaurus Rex and Vesper Synd
bringing their SHEroness to the
stage. Vesper teased the audience
with adding in some of Michael
Jackson’s Thriller.
Final contestant of the evening, Cara
Couture brought the house down
with Ke$ha’s We R Who We R. The
audience beat the walls, the judges
gave her a standing ovation, and Mz.
Couture ultimately took home the
crown, trophy, and title of Miss Faux
Queen 2013.
If you ever wondered what a faux
queen is or wanted to see some
fierce bitches rocking some gay drag
realness, this is THE only place to be!
I give this show 5 GAG’s up.

76 // drag – o – sphere
1. Harmoni-K Latin Sumbean
2. Mysti Valentine
3. Brittany T. Moore AAG 2013
4. Ethan Edwards and C.a. Lopez
Mr. Contentintal Chicago photo
by Aaron
5. Janee Capone Muex by Jake
Steadfast
6. Mr. Lone Star USofA Rasean
Montrese Mr. Gay USofA
7. Anaol Fetale by Bruce Millet
8. EZ Cummings by Musico Roots
9. LadyGodiva Drag Queen and
Stefania D’alessandro
10. Aurora Sexton Gown Miss
Contentineta
11. Buttercup Velvedere La’May self
portrait
12. Krystal Summers
13. Alexis Rayn by Larry the Fairy
Dallas
14. Alyssa Edwards by Jake Steadfast
1
2
3
6
4
5

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

78 // dipping into drag
JUDE LAW AS MINX
The Rage, 2009
Directed by Sally Potter.

ARE YOU GAGGING?
we are.
Advertise with us.
Contact us for current advertising rates.
adinfo@gagmagazine.com