The Dress That Changed My Life
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore|January 2019

RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Detox recalls the dress that made everyone sit up and take notice.

Gerald Tan
The Dress That Changed My Life

I wore this dress as my promo look for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Five—the first time I appeared and competed on the award-winning reality show. It was designed by two Los Angeles-based designers Eddie Debarr and Johnny Sakalis, and together they were known as Debakalis. It was part of their 2012 spring/ summer presentation, which was inspired by a mythical, alien mermaid goddesss that, funnily, was also inspired by me! The designers often lovingly referred to me as their “fish wife”. This particular dress was meant to capture the crashing waves that envelop this mysterious siren creature. There were a ton of other dresses I could’ve chosen but to me, this was it. Here’s a fun fact: The dress was made from one continuous length of 20 yards of stretch satin, and one seam.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPOREView all
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Lights, Camera, Fashion
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Lights, Camera, Fashion

How does social media alter the way we consume fashion cues from our favourite TV shows and movies?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Beyond Beaches
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Beyond Beaches

Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Out Of This World
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Out Of This World

Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Do You Fashion, Bro?
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Do You Fashion, Bro?

As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DOWN TO EARTH
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DOWN TO EARTH

In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CRUISING ALTITUDE
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

CRUISING ALTITUDE

With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
PUT A RING ON IT
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PUT A RING ON IT

Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PERFECTING TIME
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PERFECTING TIME

With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
HAUTE BIJOUX
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024