In a candid conversation between drag queen and comedian Katya Zamolodchikova and the famed fashion designer known as the Queen of Melrose, the duo delves into the glitzy and often chaotic world of celebrity culture, personal anecdotes, and the evolving landscape of fashion. Their dialogue not only sheds light on the personalities behind the labels but also offers insights into the changing dynamics of the fashion industry.
When Katya asks the Queen about her experiences with high-profile celebrities, she can’t help but inquire about the sweetest of them all. The Queen eagerly reveals, “Beyoncé is seriously the sweetest,” recalling a moment from 2004 when the pop icon visited her boutique on Melrose Avenue. “She came in to see Cosmo. I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s Beyoncé!’ I literally almost fell off my chair,” she shares, still starstruck by the encounter. At the time, Beyoncé was transitioning into her solo career, and the Queen helped her select outfits for an Ebony magazine cover.
Interestingly, the Queen notes that her interactions with Beyoncé and her family left a lasting impression, not just for the celebrity status but for their genuine kindness. “They just kept coming back and buying more and more clothing. I was like, ‘Oh, I’m meant to have a boutique,’” she muses, highlighting the serendipity of the moment.
However, not all celebrity encounters have been so sweet. When pressed about the worst experience, the Queen recounts her run-in with Madonna during the early ’90s. “She came in with her backup dancers, and you could just feel the attitude,” the Queen recalls, emphasizing the singer’s aloof demeanor. A Polaroid photo request from a friend was met with a sharp “No photos, leave me alone.” The interaction ended with Madonna throwing flowers gifted to her by fans into a nearby trash can.
Shaquille O’Neal also comes up as a surprisingly sweet figure, with the Queen describing him as “the best” and adding a humorous note about the rumors surrounding his anatomy. The conversation takes a comedic turn as they discuss the absurdity of penis pump procedures and how the industry has changed with the times.
Reflecting on the decline of unique fashion stores in favor of fast fashion, the Queen expresses nostalgia for the vibrant, eclectic boutiques of the past.
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“Growing up in New York, I loved stores like Patricia Field’s and Fiorucci. Now it feels like everything is just Zara,” she laments. Katya echoes this sentiment, commenting on the current trends in Los Angeles, where athleisure has taken over.
“People in LA are dressed down all the time, but when you go to the clubs, it’s like an Instagram fashion show,” the Queen observes, contrasting the laid-back vibe of the streets with the glamorous nightlife scene.
The Queen also reflected on her time working in the industry with the decline of quality across the industry widespread.
“Thank God we’re specialty,” the Queen remarks, highlighting her commitment to handmade, quality clothing. “We do everything in-house, and Burning Man is our Christmas,” she adds, explaining how the annual festival has become a significant event for her business.
The personality even noted how the pandemic affected her business and how she came back from the ordeal.
“COVID killed the walk-in traffic,” the Queen says, noting how the pandemic drastically altered consumer behavior. “People used to flock to Melrose, and now it’s like a ghost town.”
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Despite the challenges, the Queen embraces the need to adapt, particularly with the rise of social media. “My business partner told me, ‘You have to get in front of the camera. Your personality is crazy.’ I’m 61 and still figuring it out,” she shares, expressing both frustration and determination in the face of a rapidly changing digital landscape.
The conversation blends humor with serious reflections on the industry, making it clear that behind the glitz and glamor lies a world of hard work and resilience. The Queen’s stories serve not only as entertainment but also as a window into the complexities of celebrity culture and fashion.
