For the past seven weeks, Marina Summers has been doing the country proud with her stellar performance on Drag Race UK vs. the World. The drag artist enters the grand finale with three maxi-challenge wins under her belt. Throughout the competition, she has showcased the best of Filipino drag, referencing our culture and highlighting the work of local designers.
Before we crown a winner, Preview caught up with Marina's stylist Paul Sese, and got the lowdown on her fashion direction for this season. "Coming into the competition, we were confident that we would deliver high fashion and high-concept looks since we've been doing that since the day we started working together," he says.
Amid the stiff competition she was facing, Marina had to stand out with looks that were distinctly her brand. As the only Pinoy in the roster, it was only right for her to display our art every time she had the chance to. "I wanted her to stand out by [having her wear] designs that scream Filipina drag excellence," Paul adds.
Both Marina and Paul had the intention of representing every facet of Filipino fashion on the global stage, which meant working with designers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. "Filipino culture is rich, colorful, and world-class. The main point of working with designers across the country is for inclusivity and representation," the stylist expresses.
Overall, Marina's run on the show was a love letter to all of the Filipino kids who are learning to embrace their own uniqueness. As Paul puts it, "Marina came into this competition bringing every queer kid raised in the farthest lands with her. Because of the pride and honor [she upheld], she succeeded in every episode and championed Filipino excellence up until the very end."
Here's a Rundown of Marina Summers' Runway Looks on Drag Race UK Vs. the World
Entrance Look
Marina strutted into the competition ready to "give these colonizers the chop"! Her armor was a sequined metallic terno gown by Jude Macasinag, while her weapon of choice was an engraved bolo by Job Dacon.
Episode 1: For Queen and Country
On the first-ever runway of the season, Marina dressed up as a glamorous rice farmer. The ensemble, crafted by Roman Sebastian, was made using traditional textiles from the Cordilleras. "They don't only serve rice, they also serve looks," she quipped to RuPaul, and we agree!
Episode 2: The Happy Ending Ball
A ball was held the following week, with the contestants tasked to serve three fantasy-themed looks. Paul shares that the common theme for the outfits was the teleserye Marina, which, you guessed it, was where our girl got her name from. Ehrran Montoya fashioned her ethereal "Lady Prince Charming" look after the protagonist of the show.
Next up, Marina introduced the world to Dugong for the "She-vil Queen" category. Some Pinoy fans found it to be an unexpected choice, but Paul still stands by it and jokes that he "will die on this hill."
He details that this costume, made by Leeroy New, was made with multiple layers of fabric and had a silicon finish to imitate wet skin. Marina had her head cast into a mold just so the final outcome would fit her like a glove!
Ending the ball on a high note was a blue velvet mermaid gown that Marina made herself. Not bad for someone's first time sewing a dress!
Episode 3: RuVeal Yourself
Marina personified the Mayon volcano for episode three, wearing a fiery two-part ensemble. Cloaking her was a Job Dacon peplum dress that appeared to have magma bubbling from within. She tossed it off to reveal her own take on Catriona Gray's iconic lava gown, which was made, of course, by Mak Tumang. Punctuating things was a crystal headpiece by Manny Halasan.
Episode 4: Gone Cruising
From the mountains, we dive into the sea for a nautical-inspired runway. Marina was ready to sail away in a custom Thian Rodriguez look, complete with chained arm cuffs and strappy knee-high platforms. The star of the show, however, has got to be her Wigs by Margaux ponytail that extends into an actual anchor!
Episode 5: When I Glow Up
Reimagining her bangus-inspired terno from Drag Race Philippines, Marina stepped onto the catwalk in a jaw-dropping Axel Que creation. The Cebuano designer is highly regarded for her avant-garde designs, and this ensemble, with its intricate beading and tulle work, is no exception.
Episode 6: Business In the Front, Party In the Back
If there's one thing Filipinos can't get enough of, it's karaoke. Marina got the party started with this Neric Beltran 'fit that had a functioning screen playing lyrics to RuPaul's song "Living My Life in London."
Episode 7: Take Me Up the Aisle
Capping off Marina's pre-finale package is a traditional Yakan wedding look by Zamboangeño designer Erich Miñoza. Paul says that before any garment was made, they had to first gain permission from the Yakan tribe to exhibit their native wear. Once they got the go-signal, Erich got to work and utilized hand-woven fabric akin to the tribe.
"The moment Marina fitted the look, the room was filled with so much magic. It was so sacred and we felt so honored that we were even allowed to present this look on an international stage," Paul expresses.
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