Six (6) costume dress pieces from various appearances by Divine. All couture and handmade. Modeled for Vallots by Coleslaw who appeared on Season 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race Camp Wannakiki and dog model Toto.
A. A yellow, pink, and blue spandex minidress, worked in alternating chevron stripes designed by Jimmy Meyer. This costume was worn by Divine during an appearance at the legendary Studio 54 and also graced the cover of the first single titled “Born to Be Cheap”. Divine wore the dress during her performance of the disco-inspired hit on TV debut on The David Letterman Show with John Waters in March 1982. Jimmy Meyer was a costume designer active in the downtown theatre scene during the 1970s and 1980s.
B. A shocking pink spandex minidress, embroidered with white sequins. The halter-style bodice features a net insert, trimmed with paste stones. Designed by Michael-Jon, the NYC-based label founded by Michael Stanton and Jon Rager in 1975. Michael-Jon was known for creating costumes for opera, circuses, and film, and frequently fitted Divine for her record covers and promotional appearances.
C. A purple and orange striped Lycra chemise worn by Divine during a photoshoot in Los Angeles.
D. A Zandra Rhodes white jersey rayon tunic and pant set, trimmed at neckline and split shoulders with satin cord embroidered with pendant jet beads, and rhinestones. In 1977, Divine’s role in Tom Eren’s camp prison comedy play, Women Behind Bars, took him to London’s Whitehall Theatre. In the city, he befriended Dame Zandra Rhodes, celebrity designer to the stars, and whose clientele included Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury.
E. A yellow spandex minidress, embroidered with alternating stripes of green and black sequins, the triple-ruffled gen with all black sequins, designed by Max Heger. Longtime collaborator and friend, Hager designed the iconic leotard worn by Divine for the February 1988 cover story of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine.
F. A blue spandex tube dress, embroidered with shocking pink sequins, crystals and mirrored discs, designed by Max Hager. Longtime collaborator and friend, Hager designed the iconic leotard worn by Divine for the February 1988 cover story of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine.
Provenance: Christie's East, New York, New York, 1989 (Divine Estate auction); acquired at the auction by the present collector.
Condition
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