Fontana: Drag Race UK vs The World: Promo Look
Category is: Executive Avant Garde Realness
The final devilish look (image 1) was the result of many iterations. What started off as a pinstriped fabric look (image 2) evolved into black metallic armor (images 3 and 4). With insight from Fontana about what would pop on camera, the black design was changed back to red, but with a black wig.
Such a complex construction needed careful planning. The under layer connected the dickie to the leggings, and the jacket and skirt went over top. The shoulder seam was articulated with a system of clips and metal to allow the sleeve to move while worn, and be removed for transport.
The creative brief for this promotional look was “Executive Avant Garde Realness,” specifying a color palette of Red, White, And Black
Fontana has such a defined brand that it was easy to pull references and come with an idea. On the mood board was Brittney Spears, office sirens, Viktor and Rolf’s fantastical suiting, and couture shapes from Schiaparelli
The costume had to be able to move as Fontana expressed herself in the promo interviews. There are joints in the shoulder seam, at the waist, and the bottom part of the sleeve is a separate piece entirely.
Many of the techniques in building this costume came from talented cosplayers and the wealth of information they offer on sculpting shapes from EVA foam.
Each graphic black detail was not just made from vinyl, but rather a separate foam piece covered in black vinyl, then glued to the final costume
It was very touching to see fans of Fontana inspired to create renderings of the look. Image 1 by @darkumbra.art, Image 2 by @kickmyass, Image 3 by @tomdraws