All posts tagged with: Costumes

Drag queens are a symbol of fashion, style, and attitude. Their looks are equally as important as their personality. For drag queen super star, Chad Michaels, clothing is like an accessory.

“I’m not a big fan of dresses,” said Chad Michaels, RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant and Cher impersonator, as he explained his wardrobe. “I’m not a model girl. I don’t want to be tripping on a train.”

Chad estimates he has anywhere from 150-200 pairs of shoes.

This past fall, Chad had a huge sale on eBay, selling off many pieces of his drag collection.

“There was a lot of fantastic drag stuff that I just don’t use anymore,” Chad said as he described some of the items that went up for auction.

Chads outfits are designed and hand made from his partner of nine years, Adam McGee. Adam taught himself how to design and make a lot of the creative costumes Chad had worn over the years, including the famous giraffe outfit.

Most recently, Chad wore a special gown at the Joan Crawford Christmas performance which Adam designed.

There is no doubt that as Chad’s drag career continues to grow that he will be sporting many more exciting costumes, shoes, wigs and accessories.

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Theme parties are a great way to get a group of friends together. With a few key items and attention to detail, you can turn a modern room into a disco inferno! Here are some tips to hosting a successful 70’s retro disco party.

The cheapest way to get a costume is to break into your parents, grand parents, aunt and uncles closets and attics – they are more than likely to have a few retro / vintage pieces that would work great. If that’s not an option, head to your local thrift store – there are always good finds if you look close. Alternatively, vintage shops have wide selections of authentic clothing, however, you’ll pay a higher price.

Having the right snacks on hand will help set the mood. Borrow retro dishware from friends or buy is from second hand stores –people will certainly notice the detail here. Here are some great examples of traditional 70’s party food to serve:

• Celery with cheese whiz
• Devilled eggs
• Triscuits with sausage, marble cheese and a olives
• Ritz cracker and cheese whiz
• Pickles – yum yum’s, gherkins, and sweet onions
• Jelly fruit salad

For décor, it’s easy to change the mood of the room by using fabrics. Look for brown, gold, orange, purple and lime green – fall colour palettes with contrasting bright colours work best. Use them to cover couches, tables and other furniture. Changing a lampshade is another easy way to take a room back in time. Don’t forget the disco ball!

Finally, set the tone by playing era specific music playing the in the background. Bee Gee’s,  Dr Hook, Village People, Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, and Kenny Rogers are just a few of the artists to ensure you have loaded into your retro iTunes playlist.

Serve classic cocktails including Tom Collins, Greyhounds, fruit punch and Pink Lady’s!

The Vancouver Underwear Affair is on Saturday, July 9, 2011 in Vancouver, BC. Here are 7 things you need to if you are participating or getting involved as a volunteer or spectator for the event:

1. EXPOsed – The expo portion of the event where participants will check-in and get their race package including bib, timing chip and t-shirt. Last minute donations can also be made.
2. Costumes – Get noticed! There are prizes for the best Men’s, Women’s, Team and Superhero costumes.
3. Start Line – The start line is at the Armoury on 1st and Burrard. 10k runners go out first, followed by the 5k walkers. The 10k route goes along the seawall around False Creek and over the Burrard Bridge back to the Armoury to cross the finish line.
4. Undress to Impress – This is an Affair afterall! Participants, and spectators too, are encouraged to get down to their underwear and comfortable pair of running shoes.
5. Finish Line – As your cross the finish line and re-enter into the Armoury, rehydrate and refuel. Give your friends and fellow participants high-fives.
6. Honourable Unmentionables – Prizes will be awarded inside the Armoury  for the top fundraisers and fastest 10k finishers.
7. After Party – Once the hard work is over, it’ll be time to celebrate. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served (bring your valid ID). Dance the night away and celebrate the accomplishments to help fight cancers below the waist.