#bcalla

[biglisbonnews]

Shea Couleé Breaks the Mold on 'MATERIAL' Shea Couleé is breaking the mold.Fresh off a historic run on RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, Couleé has already released her debut album 8 and joined pop star Betty Who on tour. She's just dropped a new music video for her track "MATERIAL," with looks and a musical range that continue to push the boundaries set for artists that come up through the world she's so clearly blossomed outside of.Couleé's fashion evolution is particularly riveting. Whether she's in Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino Fall 2019 Couture collection or a Christopher John Rogers number, there's a palpable air of tension and wonder over what it is she might do next. "MATERIAL" is no exception, which sees Couleé groove in front of and inside a camcorder and wall of shimmering CDs. There's one particular look from Bcalla and Destroyer of Worlds that will make any connoisseur burn with envious excitement — a spiked moto jacket and puffer skirt I have half the mind to go emulate myself. Sonically, "MATERIAL" continues in the vein of 8's other singles, "Let Go" and "Your Name." With inspirations like Janet Jackson, Shalamar and Crystal Waters, the track is groovy and soulful, with beats that underscore Couleé's rich vocals and savvy lyrical instincts. Like "Call it ‘Blackout'/ Cuz they're screaming 'gimme more,'" which will surely be stuck in my head for weeks.But Couleé's range isn't just limited to an unprecedented number of successful runs on RuPaul's Drag Race or a hit single. She's also gearing up for her own tour in the UK later this year, The Lipstick Ball, a continuation of her short film Lipstick City. Most notably, she was also cast in Marvel's upcoming Ironheart series on Disney+, which made her the first queen in the canon to cross over to the MCU. Even the sky itself is not the limit for Couleé, and she's only just started. Check out our interview with Couleé — and the PAPER premiere of "MATERIAL" — below.Congrats on the "MATERIAL’ video! What were some of your visual references and inspirations for this latest visual?Thank you! My visual references for the video were Blaque’s “808,” TLC’s “No Scrubs,” Missy Elliott’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” and Aaliyah’s “We Need A Resolution.”You’ve mentioned that the musical DNA of this album and run of singles — including "MATERIAL" — have been influenced by Chaka Khan, Shalamar and even Kylie Minogue. How do you feel you’ve evolved sonically since "Cocky" dropped in 2017?Looking back, it's funny because “Cocky” was a joke. I was playing around, I wanted to go in the studio and talk shit and I had no intention of ever releasing it as a single. I started playing it for people and everyone was asking, “When are you going to drop this song?” For fun, I ended up dropping the song and it really blew up. I saw the reaction that the fandom had to it and thought, maybe I should consider doing music more seriously. That's where it all started. The seed got planted with “Cocky” and from there, I wanted to explore. Not only with hip-hop and writing bars for rapping but also to work on melody and harmony and singing. I wanted to explore writing songs about love and infatuation and struggle and all of those other things, the real emotions that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Not everyone feels cocky every day. It takes a lot to be that delusional... you know what I’m saying? I wanted to explore and share more parts of my personality outside of my confidence. I feel like my brand is so deeply rooted in this sense of confidence that I have around myself and around my art and I wanted to open up and become more vulnerable through my music. That's definitely where, especially as my writing is concerned, I've evolved. I’ve put my whole heart and soul into developing myself as a writer to show that not only can I perform the songs, but I can write them, too.It’s been so exciting to witness your continued fashion evolution both on and off Drag Race. I gagged over your conversation with Christopher John Rogers in Interview. How have your recent forays into the fashion world inspired your work on this latest album and crafting your visuals?I feel like a lot of my aesthetic in drag earlier on has been an exploration of a lot of classic Black beauty, the golden Hollywood era and '90s supermodel references. Through this music project and my recent forays into fashion, I wanted to explore more underground and alternative themes. Everything that I've done has been through the lens of things that can be easily digested, things that feel commercial and more so, generally, beautiful. Now, I'm getting into a lot of futuristic, cyberpunk, Afro-grunge, underground, raver aesthetics. You can expect to see more of that coming from me in the future.You just kicked off your tour with Betty Who, which must be such a rush. I read an interview last year where you said that you’ve been “going out and performing other people’s music in front of audiences” for much of your career, so how did that first performance feel? (With a new album out no less!)It’s a billion times more fun than I ever imagined. I said to myself, “Oh my god, this is why people do this!” Honestly, it’s amazing to look out into a crowd and see and hear people singing the words that you wrote in a living room on a regular Wednesday afternoon. To see people singing your songs back to you and see the way that the words that you wrote connect with them, that they mean something to them, that they feel something when they hear it, it’s absolutely incredible. You get to see the effects of your writing in real-time. It makes it that much easier to open up and be vulnerable with audiences and share more of yourself because you've already opened up to them through your music. Having the ability to be in a room live with these fans and sharing the experience together, is really wonderful. I have ear monitors on when I'm performing so I can't really hear the audience that much because they're noise canceling, but I was performing at the Austin show and I could hear the audience singing “Your Name” back to me. I got kind of choked up because I realized, Oh, they're singing this song. They’re really singing this song... with me.It all feels so cool because with every new thing, every new venture, every new, major moment, I always check back in with my younger self. I think about all the days that I dreamed of doing something like this. To be actually out here doing it and to feel so much love and support for simply being myself and doing what I love, it feels absolutely incredible. What can fans expect to see from you on this tour, and will you get to build on that for The Lipstick Ball later this year?What people can expect from this tour is to see the foundation that I'm laying for The Lipstick Ball. This is an abridged version of what you can expect to see of the fully realized set. I’m getting more and more confident with performing live with every single show. I can feel my confidence in my singing, in my performance, and in my stage presence. Just know that The Lipstick Ball is an even more enriched version of the set that I'm doing now on the BIG! Tour. People can expect an experience that will be a high-energy, fun, drag underground pop performance. With the news that you were cast in Marvel’s upcoming Ironheart show, it’s clear that you’re breaking the mold of what people conceive of as a drag artist. What things have you learned about yourself and your art as you expand into new projects?What I'm learning about myself and my drag in this process is that the sky is truly the limit of what is possible. Drag is such a specific niche type of art form that has come into more commercial popularity versus being so very underground and niche. With these opportunities, I've realized that life is not a dress rehearsal. I only have this one chance. I owe it to myself to go after every single dream, every single desire. When you do put yourself out there, you can make it happen. You can absolutely make these things happen. Especially in this last year, I've seen the manifestations of all of these things. It sounds so corny, but I really encourage everybody to go after their dreams. There are definitely going to be moments where you don't feel so cocky, you don't feel so confident, where you're actually super scared and terrified. But that lets you know that you're doing something right. Through that, you can experience so much tremendous growth and build your confidence even more by doing something that you didn't know or think was possible. By putting yourself out there and exercising a little bit of faith, it's overwhelming the number of things that you can achieve when you put your mind to it.When I'm having a moment where I'm not feeling confident, I immediately check in with myself and ask myself, “Why am I feeling this way?” Most of the time I realize the reason why I don't feel confident is because the thing that I don't feel confident in is something that feels unknown or unfamiliar. That is an opportunity for me to learn. Every lesson is a gift. If I remind myself that this is a learning opportunity, an opportunity for me to expand my horizons and that I can grow from it, then being uncomfortable is all part of the process and I have to work through it. When I get to the other side and look back, I will be so much more fulfilled and happy with the fact that I took a leap of faith and invested in myself. If you're going to invest and take a risk on anybody, invest in yourself. Creative direction and photography: Nicolas MarchalEditing: Jan-Balthasar SchliephackPhoto assistant: Tara WhiteLocation: Peerspace https://www.papermag.com/shea-coulee-material-premiere-2659491819.html

[wintercorrybriea2]

bcalla ‘latch’ dress

[ksperrr]

A DEAD ROSE CAN COME BACK TO LIFE JUST BY ITS ROOTS.

Kylie Sonique Love

[ogfag]

🎀💝💘💖💞🎀

[bluejart]

She does it like Dolly! It’s Kylie Sonique Love!

[beautifulbizarremagazine]

This edgy sequined glammahhhhh gown was created by New York-based fashion designer Brad Callahan (@bcallabcalla), who acknowledges that his main customers are attention seekers.⁣ ⁣ His unisex, futuristic aesthetic has adorned musicians such as Lady Gaga, Azealia Banks, Lizzo and Miley Cyrus, but he feels that fashion isn't just about the clothing - it's also about the entire fantasy via hair, makeup, and attitude.⁣ ⁣ Brad's main goal is enable people to feel like they are on top of the world when they wear his designs, because being a super star can is just as much an inside job as it is reflective of what you wear on the outside.⁣ ⁣ Photo: Alberto Lanz @lanznakebackup⁣ ...⁣ posted on Instagram - https://instagr.am/p/CJ-To5romWi/

[lamaisongaga]

           FASHION CREDITS: “911″ MUSIC VIDEO PART I

Lady Gaga is expanding the world of “Chromatica”! Yesterday, she released the highly anticipated music video for her third single “911″, which was directed by award-winning director Tarsem Singh. On set photography by Mason Poole.

The video reveals itself to be an elaborate hallucination, as Gaga suddenly snaps back into reality in an ambulance after being involved in a serious accident and cries out that she forgot her pills.

Over 10 looks styled by Nicola Formichetti and Marta Del Rio with tailoring by Samuel Ososki and Alex Navarro. Hair by Frederic Aspiras and makeup by Sarah Tanno-Stewart using Haus Laboratories. Nails by Miho Okawara.

Instead of focusing on the runway, Gaga and her team sought out new designers and one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Central Saint Martins alum Johannes Warnke, who I introduced you to the other day, contributes the opening look: a slinky, asymmetrical, red-to-white ombré dress and matching cape that Gaga wears while passed out in the sand dunes. 

Inspired by his “Windows of Perception” graduate collection, this piece was further customized by the Haus of Gaga.

The Ombra red mesh mask with latex trim by Dead Lotus Couture shields her eyes.

She accessorized the look with a pair of House of Emmanuele’s Venus pearl and crystal long drop earrings...

...and pearls by Lillian Shalom wrapped around her wrist (similar pictured).

The white gloves, she mostly wears throughout the entire video, ruby anklet, lapis lazuli cabochon ring (similar pictured) and Nepali Tibetan flower turquoise and coral ring (similar bracelet pictured) are all from the stylist’s kit.

Even all the background characters were a feast for the eyes.

The horse rider, we see at the beginning and end of the video, is wearing a full outfit from the archive of Western Costume Co. and a custom Gladys Tamez Millinery black felt velour hat similar to Jodorowsky’s hats in “El Topo”.

The pillow boy aka. car driver is wearing an Arabesque dress and embroidered slippers sourced from Universal Costume Department, along with a leather, wood and bamboo corset belt by San Francisco-based designer Lance Victor Moore!

Each of the four firefighters dressed as popes in custom Garo Sparo exaggerated papal capes, mozzetas and mitre headpieces!

Each of the tangerine & yellow versions of religious vestments, high-collared gowns detailed with embroidery, and towering headpieces would have been impressive on its own but combined, they fill the video with a spectacular chorus of oddities.

Everything only gets wilder from here. The saint/perimedic wears the finale look from Richard Quinn’s “House of Quinn” Fall/Winter 2020 collection - an impeccably embroidered cape trimmed with feathers, and a hi-lo skirt in dove-colored silk taffeta.

If that wasn’t already enough, check out that beaded mitre headpiece created by Agnieszka Osipa (similar pictured). The shoes are from Universal Costume Department.

Our other paramedic rocks a bespoke Laurel DeWitt black & gold metal chain fringe shoulder piece and matching belt, and black wide-leg pants by costume designer and maker Jim Tanner.

In the short slow-motion scene, we can spot the Horus lightweight manipulated and treated cotton cloak by Gelareh!

Our crying lady is wearing a full custom purple satin dress and veil, custom-made by Jim Tanner along with a vintage gold plate necklace from Western Costume Co.

L.O.V.E. these! The choir aka. witnesses are all dressed in bespoke BCALLA show-stopping blue metallic tapestry velvet cloaks trimmed with blue rope, and pleated white high collar blouses.

The king is seen in a gold metal headpiece custom-made for the video by designer Marianna Harutunian, who shouldn’t be a stranger to you!

He’s also rocking the House of Emmanuele Countess crystal necklace on his eyes, a Laurel DeWitt gold metal fishnet and rope outfit, a black fur cape from Universal Costume Department and gold metal cuffs by Gelareh.

The two police officers wear custom Howie B. floor-length midnight-blue satin-trimmed velvet ponchos and insane headpieces.

Click here for part II to find out more about Gaga’s other looks!

[t4nn3rina]

Kim Chi photographed by Tanner Abel, 2019.

[redside-of-the-moon]

[onikaswardrobe]

Good Form video x DeadLotus Couture top (£210) and bottoms x BCALLA pants

[ritualware]

[veganchitlins]

modeling for BCALLA again was so fun

[bgmagirl-blog]

Come thru mama 

Set by Vijat Mohindra

[reginalborova]

[lamaisongaga]

              LADY GAGA’S “CHROMATICA” FUNDRAGER

Lady Gaga and Paper Magazine threw a “Chromatica” Fundrager on Zoom where all proceeds went to the Marsha P Johnson Institute, an organization that protects and defends the human rights of black transgender people.

This organization was one of many that Gaga spoke about in a recent Twitter thread in her support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The fundrager, hosted by Zach Campbell and Brendan Jordan, highlighted the talents of many performers and artists. Attendees in the Zoom call could enter with a code. Various fans entered as well as members of the Haus. Let’s talk fashion!

Gaga first made an appearance with a custom studded Chromatica face mask (more info later). She was surrounded by an outstanding wardrobe as she danced and did her own hair and makeup.

She wore a graphic white knit sweater by fast-fashion brand Italy Moda. It features a girl kissing a French bulldog with the words “Bonjour Paris” all over. It’s not farfetched to think that this piece probably reminded her of herself and her pooch Koji!

I’ve already told you that LA-based designer Michael Ngo is in charge for all of Gaga’s masks this era. This one is no different!

Ngo created this album-themed Cosmic mask out of jet fabric and embellished it with silver-tone spikes and chains. A logo-less version is available for pre-order ($160) with 100% of the profits being donated to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute!

Shop:

Michael Ngo “Cosmic” Mask ($160.00)

The gold sine wave necklace is custom-made by bespoke jewelry designer Edward Avedis.

Our girl created her look by using the Haus Laboratories Stupid Love eyeshadow palette.

First outfit change and we’re already blown away! She brought out a laptop and struck various poses as she continued to enjoy the dance party.

For this she rocked a sheer black bodysuit with draped crystals, fringes all over and spikes on the shoulders by Augusto Manzanares!

Same Michael Ngo mask and the Stack-301 black vinyl platform creeper boots by Demonia ($89.95) completed the look.

Shop:

Demonia “Stack-301″ Boots ($89.95)

Gaga returned to the screen in a pink lycra catsuit with leopard-print panels and ostrich feather-embellished tentacles as worn by genderless model Ali Monterrosas on the BCALLA “Swim With The Tide But Faster” presentation!

[t4nn3rina]

Aja by Tanner Abel, 2018.