We all remember where we were when Dimples Romana went viral for glamorously lugging around her suitcase in Kadenang Ginto. The snapshot of Daniela Mondragon lives in our minds rent-free, and thanks to the multitudes of memes that spawned online, she'll never escape our memory.
On episode 2 of the reality competition show Drag Den, hostess Manila Luzon paid tribute to the lady in red through a campy reimagination. Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between, meet Manila Mondragden!
LOOK: Manila Luzon Recreates Dimples Romana's Daniela Mondragon Meme
Styled by Gee Jocson, Manila donned a collared peplum top and a slitted midi skirt by local designer Keith Sacasas. In an exclusive interview, the stylist tells Preview that the ensemble was a fusion of two inspirations: Daniela Mondragon and Drag Den alumna Naia.
"Since Naia was the first season's Drag Supreme, we wanted to pay homage to her for the second season," Gee explains. The episode was themed around Pinoy comedy, so the direction Manila and her team went for was to combine Naia's persona as an aviation crew member with Daniela Mondragon's outfit in her iconic meme.
If Daniela toted a Chanel Le Boy, Manila had a Saint Laurent Sac du Jour in her clutches. Gee attests that the hostess was very collaborative with the final outcome. It was even her idea to have the luggage beside her at all times while they were filming!
Originally, the garment was supposed to have two full long sleeves and a plain pencil skirt. But since this was for Drag Den, Gee wanted it to have a "psychedelic-asymmetric silhouette." Keith removed one sleeve but kept the cuff on the top and then he cut out an "M" on the skirt.
"This silhouette is something that Keith hasn't done before," Gee adds, highlighting how the ensemble was a total collaboration from all ends. The designer added her own signature touch by incorporating a wavy lapel on the top, which perfectly capped off the look.
Netizens React to Manila Luzon's Daniela Mondragon-Inspired Look
Many of Manila's Pinoy fans quickly caught the reference and were in love with her interpretation of Daniela. Fellow drag superstars, including Drag Race UK vs the World delegate Marina Summers, were immediate fans.
Netizens quipped that the hostess was in her kontrabida era given her villainous ensemble. We can almost hear her say the iconic lines, "Cassie, 'di ka muna papasok ng school." LOL!
And what did Daniela herself have to say about the homage? "You are iconic!" Dimples wrote on her Instagram story, followed by a heart and a stream of flames.
If we're judging by her use of blushing and fire emojis, Dimples was gushing over Manila's recreation. The hashtag "#OhDani" seems to bring her back straight to 2019 when she was still playing the infamous character!
We, for one, are always here for a campy fashion moment. You looked so good Manila!
Drag Den is currently streaming on Prime Video Philippines. New episodes premiere every Thursday at 7p.m.
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