The Tamesis
Designer Zaldy is known for creating gorgeous costumes for high-octane performers, including Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour, Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale tour and numerous costumes for RuPaul, for which he won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Costume Design. Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Cher and Cardi B have all worn one of his dresses or bodysuits, and he’s designed for everyone from Gwen Stefani’s LAMB collection to Victoria’s Secret and Willy Chavarria.
In a career so exhaustive (and, one can imagine, exhausting), it’s impressive that he still has any surprises in store. What was surprising, however, was what he did last night at the Chelsea Hotel, where he has lived and worked for about 20 years. There, Zaldy presented his first menswear collection, titled “Boys Like Me,” in front of a crowd of dressed-up downtown legends. He’s a ragtag crew of people he not only knows well but is an official member of (nightlife queen Susanne Bartsch serves as the show’s producer, while famed publicist Kelly Cutrone is on hand to recruit models and guests).
Photo by Oliver Halfen
“I was like, this is mine “This is the way to do menswear,” the designer said backstage, as the models were a half-naked mess in leather lingerie and pleated culottes. “I’m not trying to please anyone or think about the market. These are the clothes I want to see. I hope people like it as much as I do, but I’m willing to take the risk.”
“I have a lot of different moods,” he added. “I love tailoring, so I need suits, but I love glamour, and I love everyday wear. I need all these pieces in my wardrobe.” From Leigh Bowery to the Victorian era, from Armani to Ralph Lauren, from womenswear to couture, inspiration is everywhere. american gigolobut everything is conveyed through his performer-like lens.
