RuPaul judge Michelle Visage has always been a ‘Gucci girl’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.

Michelle’s favourite fashion era is the 80s: it was “just so erratic and ridiculous.”

How would you describe your style? Unpredictable. Some days I’m feeling Hollywood glamour, some days rock ‘n’ roll, punk and edgy, others androgynous. I love fashion, so I go with whatever I feel that day.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? One of my mother’s Gucci bags. She would come back from holidays with a new Gucci and was always drawn to the Gs. I must have been about 12 when she first bought one. I’ve been a Gucci girl ever since.

And the most recent addition? I have a shopping problem and my addiction is eyewear. I bought a beautiful pair of Burberry glasses and I can’t wait to put my prescription in.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? Tight, high-waisted black trousers with a flare – I have about 40 pairs. They’re so flattering with a turtleneck bodysuit and a beautiful heel in black or leopard print.
… on a plane? A Onepiece onesie – it’s a jumpsuit in sweatsuit material – and Crocs.
… on the red carpet? I love a structured suit with a flared trouser or a body-conscious gown with a strong shoulder and plunging neckline.

Black pumps are a staple item for Michelle, especially Christian Louboutin’s “Iriza” stilettos.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’80s – just so erratic and ridiculous.

Who are your favourite designers? Betsey Johnson for the risks she took. Christian Siriano’s gowns are just beautiful and he understands proportion. Valentino has always been amazing. Marc Jacobs is a friend of mine; I love his creations. And I love what Kim Jones has done with Fendi.

What’s your fragrance of choice? It’s another obsession; I have a lot. Right now, it’s Maison Francis Kurkdjian “Baccarat Rouge 540” and “Bois Doré” by Van Cleef & Arpels.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A great pair of jeans, a fitted blazer with shoulder pads and a pair of black pumps – Jimmy Choo, Steven Madden, and I love the Christian Louboutin “Iriza” stilettos.

Any go-to jewellery? Sheila Fajl hoop earrings in every colour and size.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? All I wanted to wear was long skirts and dresses and – it was the ’70s – a pair of wooden wedge platform shoes with a mushroom carved on the side. I’d watch The Sonny & Cher Show with my grandmother and was obsessed with the fashion. I was an adopted kid and I swore that Cher was my mother.

And your worst fashion mistake? I had a blue mohawk when I was 13 and a bad mullet when I was growing it out.

As a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Michelle loves the host’s sense of style.Credit: Getty Images

What was your first fashion moment? I don’t know if I’ve had a big fashion moment but everything I wear on RuPaul’s Drag Race is a moment, for better or worse! I don’t like to play it safe.

What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? A green velvet Gucci suit. I’m also always looking at vintage [Thierry] Mugler on eBay but it’s so ridiculously overpriced now that he’s no longer with us. I wear a lot of designer vintage; I don’t care if something’s been worn a few times.

Is there anything you’d never wear? A bathing suit on the main stage. I’ll wear one with family by the pool but I’m not ready to show this off any more.

What shoes do you wear most often? Platform sequinned Crocs if I’m working. Day to day it’s Golden Goose sneakers and Kurt Geiger combat boots.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? RuPaul’s sense of fashion is amazing. I’ve always obsessed over Cher, and Madonna has incredible style.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in Aviator Nation or Freecity sweats – a matching set makes me so happy.

The new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under premieres July 30 on Stan.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.