PHOTO BY LUSH LIGHT
I first met Ortensia de Loren this past February when I was at the Memorial Art Gallery for their annual Valentine Schmalentine event. She was stunning in a casual black outfit and gushing to me all about the latest closeout sale for MAC Cosmetics at Marketplace Mall and that I had to go take advantage of it. I love watching makeup vloggers on YouTube and found myself thinking, "What better person to ask for makeup advice than a drag queen?" In addition to being a fellow art and history lover, Ortensia uniquely produces her own performance events and can even sing live. Therefore, when I got the exclusive chance to chat with Ortensia about makeup, live performances, and general #dragqueenproblems, I couldn't pass it up. Below is my short interview with Ms. de Loren, and information about your chance to meet her and other queens at an upcoming brunch event at the Havana Cabana.
What are some common misconceptions about drag queens that people may have?
Ortensia de Loren: There are so many misconceptions! One of the biggest is that drag is only meant for gay men and women. There are plenty of heterosexual men and women who take up the art form as a way of expression the self they otherwise can’t show to the world. Especially women! Bio-Queens are women who get dolled up as drag queens. Susanne Bartsch is one of the most well-known.
How did you first discover the possibility of being a drag queen entertainer and what was your first performance like?
O: My first drag performance was actually back in high school. I went to School Without Walls and was in a theater-esque program. At the end of that year, we had to do a scene or write about a Broadway show. I chose to take a scene from Aida - the Elton John version. And, dammit, did I put on a show! But I didn’t really do drag until three years ago.
What places do you tend to look when you're shopping for performance clothing and shoes?
O: I love the look and styles of 1930s to 1950s. Surprisingly, I’ve found clothes on Amazon.com. But I have also looked at other brands and stores like Laura Byrnes and Pinup Couture. When it was around, Hot Rod Betties on South Avenue in Rochester, NY was the spot for me!
Where did you learn how to do makeup? Did you have difficulty at first? Describe your first ever "makeup look" - if it includes blue eyeshadow, even better.
O: When I first started drag,or rather returned to the stage, I had someone do my makeup. Eventually, I had to do it on my own. And I am glad I did! There were definitely some mistakes along the road. Bad powder. Wrong lipstick color. Too much, or too little, makeup applied. But it has definitely changed over the years, and now I look damn good! I learned bits and pieces through YouTube videos and watching other drag queens do their makeup. While they were getting ready for shows, I would just sit there and jot down notes on how they did their eyes or lips.
What is your all time favorite makeup brand and what is your go-to product from that brand?
O: MAC Cosmetics. I love MAC! Mostly for foundation and lips. I use Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kat Von D, and Tarte for eyes; I’ve also found Anastasia Beverly Hills' contour palette provides additional coverage for the dreaded five o’clock shadow!
Have you ever bought a makeup product that was just too awful to use? What was it?
O: OMG! One of the most difficult products was setting powder. I swear I’ve been through them all! There was one I purchased, Coty Setting Powder, that made me look 50 shades whiter! Like, I could’ve passed as another sister in White Chicks. Just saying.
Who is your favorite drag queen of the moment and what makes them unique and stand out to you?
O: I admire Wednesday Westwood! In person, she’s humble with a dash of crazy – I envy that. But she’s just great at doing makeup. And she represents the postmodernist approach to drag, where it’s interpretative more of who you are rather than being "campy" (the legendary Divine) or "fishy" (RuPaul). You’re just happy being who you are.
Was there ever a time when something went wrong during a performance of yours or another queen's? What happened?
O: Let’s go back three years ago. I was competing in an amateur drag show. At the end I was tied with another performer, and we both had to lip-sync to a song. Madonna’s "Vogue". I saw the one performer lower herself on the floor. I thought I could do the same! No. I could not. With heels I barely practiced in, I was slipping and falling for a minute or two. It was embarrassing, but we both made it to the final round of the competition!
Tell me about your upcoming brunch performance on Saturday, April 8th! What can we expect to see?
O: Latina Cantina Drag Brunch is my third brunch I’ve coordinated. My first one at the Memorial Art Gallery last year, Inspired Queens Drag Brunch, was a hit, and I’ve since kind of dipped my toes into the world of event planning. This one will be at Havana Cabana in the East End District. Mimosas. Mojitos. Musical performances! On a Saturday! You can’t beat it! Hope to see you there!
The Latina Cantina Drag Brunch will happen Saturday, April 8th from 12pm until 4pm at the Havana Cabana on 289 Alexander Street in Rochester, NY. The event is $30 for a buffet and show or $10 for just the show with the option to purchase yummy craft drinks, and will feature performances from Ortensia, and queens Miss Deelicious, Kiki Bananahammock, and Jénna Gisellé. Follow Ortensia on her Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Read more on her blog, A Queen's Tales.
All images and opinions of Ortensia de Loren were obtained with permission.
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