Photography by David-Simon Dayan. Image Courtesy of the Artist.
Written by David-Simon Dayan
When I spotted Krystal Versace, despite being out of drag and wearing shades, I immediately recognized her silhouette, the club lights hitting her prominent cheeks. I make my way over through the sea of people, a queer party in London where we’re all relishing in being pressed skin to skin with a group of strangers again, a remix of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” is drowning out every conversation. “We should plan a shoot when you win,” I suggest and we exchange information. About a crown and month later, our paths crossed again on a typically grey day in an East London studio.
Now, amidst the chaos of her first international tour, SLEEK gets the chance to speak to Krystal Versace about learning how to do makeup online, the surprise she felt when becoming the youngest winner of Drag Race, and her life post-crowning.
Photography by David-Simon Dayan. Image Courtesy of the Artist.
SLEEK: Krystal Versace. Winner of the crown. How are you and where are you right now?
Krystal Versace: I’m great! I’m currently in my London home listening to Abba [laughs].
S: A classic. How was your lockdown experience?
KV: My lockdown experience wasn’t too bad. It was very up and down at times. Fortunately, during the last lockdown, I got the call for Drag Race and luckily, I lived fifteen minutes away from my best friend who made several of my outfits. We would spend every day together preparing for the show and did movie marathons at night. So I can’t really complain.
S: You started doing makeup around the age of thirteen. Can you share how you were introduced to makeup?
KV: I was introduced to makeup through YouTube and stealing my sister’s makeup. From a very young age, I have always been creative and loved drawing and in particular women. Eventually these drawings went from paper to my face.
Photography by David-Simon Dayan. Image Courtesy of the Artist.
S: Let’s talk about Drag Race. I’m curious, was it what you expected? Did you know what to expect going into it?
KV: If I’m honest, I expected to go home early. I thought I would get stomped on by some other diva. But only when I was there I realised after a while that I had a very unique style and skills compared to others. Ru saw a lot in me that I never did until I pushed myself to the end. And the next thing I knew I’d won *laughs*.
S: Do you remember the moments you decided to audition, and the moment you were invited to compete?
KV: Yes, I remember every moment! I remember sat in my best friends house as the lockdown started and we saw that auditions were open so we thought f*ck it. We are gonna be stuck doing nothing for a while so let’s kill some time. And I remember getting the call two days before Christmas. Christmas came a little early for me.
S: Would you do anything differently on the show, in hindsight?
KV: My natural reaction is yes, I would do a lot different, however, I am a strong believer in everything happening for a reason, so no I wouldn’t change a thing. It was the start of my journey in this crazy career and I started off with a win.
S: You were obviously doing something right. I’m curious, what do you think makes a great drag artist?
KV: A great drag artist is someone who is committed and driven. Also someone who has their own rule book. I’m a very particular person and know what I want, I say no most of the time with no shame. That’s what it takes, you have to be strong willed to do well and stand out.
Photography by David-Simon Dayan. Image Courtesy of the Artist.
S: With drag, there’s often an element of alter-ego, at least when it begins. Could you share how Krystal evolved?
KV: I’m very different in drag. I have more poise in drag and emit the energy of Krystal. Out of drag I can be this little mole rat who sits at home in their dressing gown smoking cigarettes and watching crap on TV. So yes, I’m very different in drag [laughs]. My drag developed a lot through what made me feel powerful and strong which resulted in being this stunning life-sized doll that people couldn’t take their eyes off, a killer on stage.
S: And you’re the youngest winner of the crown. Do you feel there’s been a shift in drag towards a younger audience?
KV: One hundred percent. Drag is so accessible now and it’s incredible that due to the exposure of Drag Race, these youngsters are finding themselves. Not only that, but more and more families are becoming more accepting and understanding.
S: It really is. What else have you been up to lately?
KV: As of right now I’m just go, go, go. I’m in the States most of this year and just working my a** off touring which is amazing. I’m also still in the process of planning a one-woman show that will be happening next year. I see this year as just the start for me. I’m learning everyday about how to deal with things that others aren’t dealing with at twenty, and also handling my emotions and feelings. Sometimes I can quickly spiral due to me being such a control freak and that’s another thing I’m learning to get used to. But I’m excited and inspired to keep evolving and being a gag.
S: Do you have any pieces of advice for any aspiring drag artists?
KV: Be kind, professional and love what you do. As soon as you love what you’re doing and putting it out there and everyone else will fall in love with it as well.
Credits
Creative Direction and Photography: David-Simon Dayan
Styling: Ignacio de Tiedra
Hair: Linus Johansson
Photo Assistant: Bismuth Arsenide
Location: Aseptic Studios
Production: Slip Studio
Set: Ian Cy