Courtney Act reveals staggering cost of dressing well in drag
Want to have a “stage-stopping” look as a drag queen? Courtney Act has revealed the huge cost for dresses, wigs and shoes.
Sydney Weekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sydney Weekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Inside My Wardrobe
Courtney Act, 40, performer and presenter
When it comes to glamorous closets, this one takes the fashion cake … a tour of Courtney Act’s wardrobe reveals a mix of Louboutins, waist cinchers, safety pins and vintage Bob Mackie accessories, where every piece plays a vital role in the final #ootd (Outfit of the Day). Courtney’s approach to styling is one to admire: research and craftsmanship is just as important as label and sparkle.
How would you describe your style?
My personal style is inspired by the great divas that were dressed by Bob Mackie – Cher, Tina, Carol Burnett and so on.
Who are your style icons?
My style is also inspired by Marco Marco. He designs a lot for me and is a great friend and designer. I consider him the Bob Mackie to my Cher and hope that one day we will be able to have a weekly prime-time television show with a huge budget.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
Probably my undergarments, my hip pads, my bum pads and my cincher.
What are your favourite brands?
I really like custom things. Marco Marco in LA. Howie B does a lot of stuff for me. Shoes are all Louboutin.
Have you ever made a style faux pas?
Probably my earlier wigs. I used to have a wig that was shorter than my boy hair, which didn’t make any sense. I used to have long hair at the front and I used to pull it through and put a quiff in it.
What’s the most you have spent on an outfit?
It can be $10,000 for the dress alone! Plus $3500-$4000 for the wig and a few thousand for the shoes. I guess $10,000 to $15,000 for a “stage-stopping” look!
What is the most surprising thing in (or about) your wardrobe?
For other people, all the undergarments.
Top three wardrobe must-haves?
I always travel with a few belts because often stylists will get me dresses that don’t sit in the right place as I have a longer torso. Safety pins are a wardrobe must-have. Shoes! I have black and nude patent peep toes. I like bags and shoes to match.
What is the most sentimental item in your wardrobe?
I went to a Bob Mackie sale in LA and bought a bunch of accessories, including a gorgeous pair of beaded earrings and it’s that little bit of Mackie that gives me a tingle because I am wearing a part of history. They were from vintage television shows. I like to imagine my earrings could have been on The Carol Burnett Show or the Sonny and Cher show.
Summer or Winter fashion?
Summer.
Denim or dresses?
Definitely dresses.
Heels or sneakers?
Heels, always.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
30 or 40 pairs of Loubs.
More Coverage
Originally published as Courtney Act reveals staggering cost of dressing well in drag
‘Everyone stays alive’: A day in the life of a Byron Bay witch
She may not ride a broomstick or boil frogs but Byron’s ‘wild witch’ throws blood on her garden, crafts roo skin drums and hosts “immersive wilderness retreats” – all to help women unlock their “inner magick”.
‘I always wanted a partner for life’: Elsa Pataky on her marriage to Chris Hemsworth
Elsa Pataky has opened up about the secret to her happy marriage, why she prioritises motherhood and the one non-negotiable request she had before she moved to Australia.