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Let’s face it: with the consistent productions of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the never-ending spin-offs and competitions, who has time to follow it anymore? Despite being unable to keep up with this extravagant show, you’re most likely knowledgeable of some drag artists who have gained fame since. Gottmik is one of the fashion-inclined drag artists who has succumbed to success and popularity through the reality TV show. Their renowned eye for the industry and various talents make for an astounding artist.

The media has welcomed Drag and created an entire community filled with adoring fans; an ever-changing growth within Drag has transformed it into a drastically popular and wealthy art form.

Makeup artist and drag performer Kade Gottlieb is the face underneath the sharp makeup and stunning outfits. This individual attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where they gathered skills within the industry, pushing them into this passionate career. Gottmik is a RuPaul’s Drag Race queen with years of experience behind them and a mountain of opportunity in front! 

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Our first head turner for Gottmik was being the first-ever trans man to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race, breaking the record 13 seasons into the show (and that’s not even including All Stars). Suppose you are unaware of what All Stars is. In that case, the spin-off show hosted by the same company and judges allows contestants to return for a second (and sometimes third) chance.

All Stars is the sequel to RuPaul’s Drag Race. It offers more screen time and money to previous participants and, consequently, is a more challenging competition to run. Kade being the first trans man to enter this reality show realm meant big strides for the trans community, especially within FTM (female to male) drag performers.  

From season 13 to competing in All Stars 9, Gottmik has seen a fair few episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race, unveiling their talents to the world. In season 13, they landed the title of 3rd/4th runner-up, meaning they made it particularly far within the competition. Gottmik was definitely a star to watch in the show as they won multiple challenges and served gorgeous and innovative looks throughout. 

Gottmik on All Stars

All Stars 9 has had the utmost honour of holding this outfit under their lights, presenting the runway with a statement that draws attention to trans men. It was so glorious, in fact, that it won the challenge at hand, meaning Gottmik won 10k that will be donated to a charity named Trans Lifeline. 

There is a vast amount of detail to approach in regards to this entire look and how greatly it was executed. The concept that drove this look is the pain and process of being a Trans man who undergoes top surgery. Kade, being a trans man who has experienced this life-changing operation, knew this would be an excellent subject to touch upon.

On Instagram, a photoshoot was released, and the look was depicted in a hospital, embracing the technical details. The caption reads:

“This look represents the pain and suffering I went through while all at the same time experiencing complete trans, queer liberation in a way that I hope everyone seeing this will feel one day.” 

The Look

A surgery such as this is an impeccable aspect of one’s transition. It is a liberating and celebratory moment, though it comes with its struggles and strife. A personal and social transition is a jarring and devastating process that many couldn’t even comprehend, with surgeries being the cherry on top. Though the surgery process is nothing shy of complicated, the new lease of life individuals experience is an unimaginably freeing experience. Gottmik releasing a piece so personal is a brilliant and heartwarming factor in this production. Fashion isn’t just a form of art but an expression from the heart.

The blood spread across the chest is crafted by red jewels, creating a sense of elegant goth. These daring marks represent the mastectomy for Kade, which is the central focus and aspect of this look. To further encapsulate the literal meaning of the operation, Swarovski jewels furnish a bag packing two blood-stained breasts, the insides of course. A hazardous waste bag in the shape of a bindle bag adds a touch of fashion to the surgical aesthetic. This innovative combination brings couture and surgery together. 

Details

Two arms wrap around their shoulders with deadly scalpels, performing the medical procedure. These two arms were explicitly moulded to Gottmik’s to not look disproportionate. However, Kade could also be in full control and at his own side during the process. They are the exact shape, size, and colour in coordination with Gottmik, especially in accordance with the editorial. 

Scrubs are turned into a fashion-forward corset and skirt featuring buckles and openings in all the right places! This garment is eccentric and distinctive, an impressive application of high fashion. Made of what seems to be stretchy faux leather, this hospital uniform is serving us direct hospital couture. It is an incredible construction in terms of technique and style. We’re all jealous of that waistline! 

The Gottmik Impact

I’m thoroughly glad that Drag is heavily mainstream now, as we can witness such greatness from many queer artists internationally. Gottmik represents the trans community extremely well throughout media and fashion. Of course, there’s room for more trans individuals in the industry. It’s honourable and pleasing to see such representation as it creates a higher sense of community and embellishes trans joy. Trans joy, art and liberty are everything we need to see in the media. I am lapping it all up from Gottmik as a start.

Feature image credit: Gottmik/Instagram.