Sew Fierce – Season 2

I’m Calypso cosmic, 24 year old Ontario based drag queen, burlesque beauty and head of the COSMIC atelier Cosmic couture is all about fit, figure and fun. Bright colors, intricate details, dynamic silhouettes and above all else, quality. I focus on burlesque and drag with a backbone of historical dress, I design like I get dressed – underwear first. The basis of COSMIC is lingerie and corsetry, the foundation on which every outfit can be supported and loved down to the last stitch and stone.

Dustin Ceithamer is most professionally known for playing monsters and robots in some of the Hollywood’s biggest film / tv franchises (Star Wars, Marvel, Rebel Moon), but underneath the makeup and slime this 6’8” artist is fascinated with social implications of fashion and the expression of creativity and design. Whether creating red carpet moments for himself, costuming theatrical productions, or collaborating on night life lewks for friends – give Dustin a sewing machine, an unconventional material, and some e6000 and you won’t know what is coming next!

Dustin George, a Toronto-based designer and textile artist originally from British Columbia, is a creative force seamlessly blending the worlds of theatre, film, and drag. Before the pandemic, Dustin thrived as a theatre creator and actor, but when the world came to a standstill, he turned adversity into an opportunity for reinvention.

In the wake of the initial shock, and perhaps a few months of shedding tears, Dustin embarked on a journey of self-discovery, teaching himself the art of sewing. This newfound passion ignited a spark that led to his debut in the world of drag design, marked by an awe-inspiring Camp Wannakiki-winning look for the fabulous Hillary Yass.

Beyond the world of drag, Dustin channels his creativity into crafting costumes for both theatre and film. His work reflects a distinctive perspective on patchwork and sustainability, weaving together elements that are not only fashion-forward but also environmentally conscious. Dustin’s commitment to utilizing unused or unwanted resources adds an authentic charm to his creations, all delivered with a playful and campy wink.

As a trailblazer in the intersection of fashion, performance, and sustainability, Dustin George continues to leave a mark on the artistic landscape, reminding us that beauty and creativity can be found in even the most unlikely places.

Justin Velarde, an accomplished costume designer from Las Vegas, is renowned for his exquisite and vibrant costume creations. As the creative force behind Velarde Custom Designs, he has made a significant mark in the industry, particularly within the drag community, designing for notable drag queens such as Coco Montrese, Jaymes Mansfield, Lawrence Chaney, and Deja Skye, among others. Justin’s talents have also been showcased in ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race Live Vegas’ show, where he has crafted custom costumes for various performers. Beyond his acclaimed design work, Justin brings unique insights from his experience as a professional dancer, performing in and designing costumes for the Spice Girls Tribute show on the Las Vegas strip. His understanding of performance dynamics informs his costume creations, emphasizing durability, comfort, and visual impact, showcasing his ability to blend functionality with aesthetic flair, resulting in truly show-stopping designs.

Lindsey is a designer, pattern drafter, podcaster and Phil Collins super fan from Alberta. Embracing the artistry of tailoring and the allure of latex, Lindsey intertwines these elements to craft garments that become emblematic of individuality and empowerment. Infatuated with the transformative power of attire, she adores utilizing the art of dressing as a sublime vehicle for self-romanticization and self expression. A seasoned alchemist of artistic expression, Lindsey has worked in a variety of fields outside of drag including film, theatre, dance, and fashion.

When she’s not being crushed by the burden of late stage capitalism Lindsey enjoys Whose Line is it Anyway? reruns, listening to music and trying to remember why she just walked into a room. Ready to mingle with fellow creatives, Lindsey can’t wait to swap stories, laughs, and maybe a few design secrets!

Meet a vibrant individual with a dynamic background, whose journey has woven through the tapestry of both the retail fashion industry and the vibrant world of drag performance for 15 years. Their passion for sewing extends beyond personal expression, reaching the creation of outfits for fellow entertainers. With a lively personality, a commitment to fitness, and an undeniable charm. This individual stands as an attractive and influential figure, both on and off the stage.

Terrah Card is an outgoing, loquacious artist, best known for her bold and animated costumes. I would like the world to see the diversity in my creations, and how I can design for any style of drag entertainer. Whether or not the client is a club kid or a pageant queen, Terrah Card can whip something up for the cause. Sewing and drag to me create that 4D experience that ties the viewer to the piece. Becoming a spectacle is what I strive for. I have been sewing for seven years, and I have never taken a class before on sewing. However, even if I may be inexperienced, it does not scare me to display my art and to compete against others. I have won crowns and competitions and there is nothing I like more than to compete. I have been a drag performer for six years, and I believe my experiences of drag were shaped by the hardships I have faced being a queen in Florida. Without my struggles and the works of trial and error, I would not be the artist I am today. I will show you why I am so fierce.

Tony Eliason was born in Mindanao, Philippines and adopted at seven-months-old by Missionaries. After moving to America at the age of 10-years-old, Tony excelled in art classes and discovered a fascination with art from the Rococo era. Growing up with a vigorous imagination inspired by nature and the beauty of the stars highly influenced Tony’s structures and designs. Tony remembers draping linens on their sisters to design gowns when they were very young. At the age of 17-years-old is when Tony was asked to design their first line for Minneapolis fashion week. Since then, Tony now designs for many Drag artists in the Minneapolis area and for their own drag persona, Julia Starr. Tony learned to follow “The Elements of Composition” in Art class, giving Balance, Contrast, Motion, Proportion, Rhythm and Unity to their designs. Using these Elements with their designs gives a clear vision of impactful and wearable art.