We recently had the best time collaborating with the fabulous Dita Garbo, star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and glittering Queen of the catwalk in this years DragCon. Dita came to us with a dream of creating her own rhinestone encrusted bodysuit, so we introduced her to our glitzy range of Luna crystals, perfect for this project. Dita hand embellished her outfit with over 50,000 non hotfix rhinestones, we caught up with her after the event to find out how she got on.
CP: How and why did you come up with the design?
DG: I had been wanting to create a fully nude illusion bodysuit for years, and after being introduced to the world as a burlesque/cabaret queen in my promo for Ru Paul's Drag Race UK season 6, I knew going into DragConUK, that now was the time to create my dream. Paired with a huge oversized 3.5 metre feather boa and huge hair, was my vision to walk the queens walk on day one.
CP: Why did you choose this particular colourway?
DG: This was partly determined because I already had 3 bolts for Lilac net which I would use for the boa, therefore I tied it in with Lilac rhinestones for the knicker and pastie part of the bodysuit. For the main nude illusion, I settled on 3 colours: Light Colorado Topaz, Golden Shadow & Silk Light to create shadow, midtone & highlight shaping the body's contours. I also made sure to use 3 different sizes in each colour to give maximum sparkle.
CP: Were you pleased with the Luna crystals?
DG: Luna crystals have such a great range of colours and their quality is superb, so I was more than pleased.
CP: Which blinging tools and glue did you use?
DG: Because the base fabric was porous, I used my go to adhesive,
Gem Tac glue. To apply I use a
precision tip allowing for precise glue placement and a
wax tip pencil to pick up each stone. I also make sure each size of stone is on a separate plate, and when applying work in size order for largest to smallest.
CP: How long did the crystallising take?
DG: To fully crystallise the full bodysuit I spent days!!! I didn't count all my hours but it was around 60 hours of work, a true labour of love!
CP: Would you recommend Luna crystals to other drag artists/performers, and if so, why?
DG: I would, and have already recommended Luna crystals to other artists - it's a no brainer, quality products, a huge range and supporting a UK business.
As well as full body rhinestone coverage, Dita wanted to create an eye catching statement design around the neckline. We recommended Zodiac sew on stones, which come in many different shapes and colours, that can be glued as well as sewn onto fabric. These individual rhinestone shapes give off even more sparkle, creating the illusion of a blingy diamond necklace.
CP: How was your DragCon experience?
DG: DragCon was an incredible experience, it's special to us as drag artists to get to spend time together and catch up with each other, but meeting the fans is what it's all about. To be able to meet people and hear their stories of why they adore you, how you've impacted or helped their lives, or why you are a role model to them is so very special, and an experience like no other.
We think you'll agree, that Dita absolutely slayed on the catwalk at DragCon, and brought with her the Luna rhinestone brand bursting into the limelight.
