Utica: A Drag Designer Making Waves in the Fashion Industry
Timing has always been crucial in my career as a journalist, allowing me to be in the right place at the right time. This was the case when I found myself at Miss Toto's apartment during Pride Month, observing a fitting for a story on Chicago drag designers. This experience provided valuable context for my interview with Utica, a contestant on "Project Runway" and a former participant on "RuPaul's Drag Race." Utica, also known as Ethan Mundt, is a unique figure in the fashion industry, aiming to break barriers for drag performers and showcase their creativity.
Utica's passion for representing his community was evident in our interview before the "Project Runway" premiere. He shared his love for creating avant-garde eveningwear, which has been worn by various "Drag Race" contestants. Throughout the show, Utica showcased his diverse and innovative designs, including a Disney villain-inspired gown, an Alexander McQueen-esque dress, and a challenge-winning avant-garde gown inspired by "Wicked." His creations received praise from social media, host Heidi Klum, and judges like Law Roach and Tyra Banks.
Despite not winning the overall season, Utica's talent and potential were recognized by fashion designer Michael Kors, who predicted a bright future for him in the industry. The exposure from the show has allowed Utica to take a significant step in his career by working on a ready-to-wear fashion line and securing distribution. He credits "Project Runway" with changing his life and showcasing his skills as both a seamstress and artist.
Utica faced challenges during the show, including a moment when the judges expressed a desire to see more of Ethan rather than Utica. He also had to pivot his collection ahead of the finale, creating an all-black selection of eveningwear in just five days. Despite the obstacles, Utica remains proud of his work and is determined to finish and find distribution for his initial finale collection. Looking ahead, he is open to returning to both "Project Runway" and "RuPaul's Drag Race" if given the opportunity.
Beyond his personal aspirations, Utica aims to elevate the Midwest as a fashion hub in America. He believes in the potential of the region and the talented individuals working to showcase their creativity. By continuing to push boundaries and create impactful designs, Utica hopes to contribute to the growth of the fashion industry in the Midwest and beyond.