Shea Couleé Gives Earth Day a Stylish, Drag-ified Twist

Today is Earth Day, a time to think about how you can be more environmentally-friendly in all areas of life—including in our approach to fashion and, if you’re a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag. Shea Couleé, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 5 and all around superstar, posted a totally sustainable look in honor of Earth Day. With a high-fashion twist, she proved you can be green and still look damn good in the process.

To honor Earth Day, the drag star collaborated with designer @zerowastedaniel on a gown that’s made entirely out of reused and reclaimed materials (the label specializes in creating designs that are made with zero waste). “This planet is so precious and beautiful, and we as a people need to do better to soften our environmental impact,” wrote Couleé of her new Earth Day look. “As a lover of fashion, I am all too familiar with the negative effects that the fashion industry has on the planet.” 

Much of the dress’s bodice, which is formed into the shape of a vase, was made of fabric scraps twisted into strings and coiled together. China Asters, Couleé’s favorite flower, spill out of the vase, as does her water-like skirt. “I wanted a look that focused on water consumption, and the fact that clean water is a luxury that a lot of us take for granted,” adds Couleé. “I’m an Aquarius (The Water Bearer) so Daniel created the illusion where the bodice was a vase pouring water to nourish the earth.”

The special details don’t end there. Couleé’s sculptural hair piece, done by the artist @auroragozmic, was made completely out of repurposed nylon cord. Talk about the total package! Had this look been shown on the Drag Race All Stars runway, RuPaul would have definitely crowned it a winner, baby.