LOS ANGELES – For their runway costumes the drag queens on Ru Paul’s television show this week were instructed to design an outfit based on a bag theme. Among their choice: gift bags, tea bags, handbags, money bags, back packs, grocery bags. The Winona County native Utica Queen chose a sleeping bag. From scratch Utica designed, cut and sewed the costume. The judges were blown away. One judge said Utica had “continually upped the fashion” on the 13th season of Ru Paul’s “Drag Race.” Utica was either first or second among 12 remaining contestants, the exact ranking not being announced.
Sleeping bag dazzle. Utica’s long train quilted dress with a zipper on a cowl neck.
Mundt. His name is Ethan but on stage he goes by Utica Queen in homage to his Winona County hometown. His goal on Season 13 of the VH1 reality show “Drag Race” is a $100,000 prize and the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. Mundt works out of Minneapolis as a fashioin desiger and moonlights in drag.. He sees her artful aesthetic as a departure from the typical ultra-femme drag look.