meet the fabulous shea couleé

Chicago native Shea Couleé has made a name for herself as one of the fiercest, most talented drag queens performing full-time across the city. She studied costume design at Columbia College Chicago, during which she also became passionate about contemporary dance. The fusion of these passions led her to her current status as a renowned drag performer. She recently created a short film, Lipstick City, a visually stunning and sensory-packed narrative of Ms. Couleé’s adventures. Lipstick City chronicles her attempts at exacting revenge upon her cheating husband––against a backdrop of exquisite drag culture and intoxicating music. Here, Couleé discusses fashion, performance, and her hopes for the short film.

Q: Who are some of your main fashion influences?

A: I Love Dior, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, and Versace. All of your major fashion hard-hitters. They are so innovative, and they have an impeccable taste level.

Q: What makes a good drag queen these days? We know it’s not just about putting on makeup and a flawless wig, right? So what is something extra that makes you stand out?

Photo by Casey Vange

A: To be a good drag queen, you have to have a MULTITUDE of talents. You need to have makeup skills, sewing skills, performance abilities, charisma, and an ability to keep your finger on the pulse of all things trendy.

Q: What was the inspiration for Lipstick City? Where do you want to see if go?

A: Lipstick City was an opportunity for me to document the Chicago queer nightlife scene in an interesting and creative way. It was an opportunity to reach people outside of the nightlife scene and showcase some of Chicago’s fiercest entertainers! View it here!: sheacoulee.com

Q: What are your favorite makeup products? At the least, the ones that you are currently using and can’t live without?

A: MAC lip liner in ‘Nightmoth.’ It gives the best definition for any lip color!