The meaning behind Marina Summers' Katipunera-inspired outfit for 'Drag Race: UK vs the World' Season 2
Marina Summers' team shared the meaning and inspirations behind the Filipina drag artist's stunning look during her introduction to RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World Season 2.
Making an iconic debut in the international competition on Saturday, Feb. 10, Marina wore a striking creation by Pinoy fashion designer Jude Macasinag, who, in an Instagram post, described it as a "custom 'off-balance' tightly corseted draped dress in bronze sequins with asymmetrical crushed butterfly sleeves and 'work in progress' details, styled with a gold chainmail hood."
Speaking with PhilSTAR L!fe, Paul Sese, Marina’s stylist, shared that they wanted to make the drag queen look like a lone Filipina warrior who came from a tough battle—and is ready to fight again.
"It’s visible on the torn hems and edges of the skirt and the crushed terno sleeves that it has been a tough journey but the brave warrior is ready to battle it out again on the international stage,” he said.
According to Sese, the look was originally meant to be a female version of Lapu-Lapu, but they eventually decided to pay homage to powerful Filipina figures, including revolutionary leader Gabriela Silang and legendary warrior princess Urduja.
The stylist's favorite part of the ensemble is the golden hood that reveals the face of Marina. "It represents not only one but 108 million Filipinos and reveals her head that will wear the crown of UK VS THE WORLD,” he explained.
Ryuji Shiomitsu, who is also part of Marina’s camp, said that they opted for such a theme to mark Marina’s feat as the first Filipina to compete in the UK franchise.
“My favorite part of the look is the whole look! It is just so memorable and perfect for Marina Summers and gave a great start to so many more looks to come,” he told L!fe.
Shiomitsu revealed that Macasinag began working on it in Paris in 2022, "made it and finished the look in Manila, and eventually, Marina brought it to London—a world class look for a world class queen."
Marina was announced as part of the show's cast early this year, making her the first drag queen to represent the Philippines in an international All-Stars edition of RuPaul's Drag Race.
The 27-year-old drag artist is joined by other drag superstars across the world, including UK favorites Choriza May, Gothy Kendoll, Jonbers Blonde, and Tia Kofi.
She was runner-up to Precious Paula Nicole in the first season of Drag Race Philippines, which aired in 2022. (with reports from Brooke Villanueva)
