Gay & Lesbian

Ryan Styles

Ryan Styles, 24
Background
I was brought up in a small village in the Midlands where I have lots of memories of fishing with my grandad. I stayed in that village until I was 18 when I was driven out!
Training?
A degree in jewellery design from Middlesex University. I also studied performing arts and costume design in Lisbon.
What are you working on?
‘The Private Lives of Ryan Styles’, my first solo show, which will be at Too2Much on Wednesday September 27 as part of the club night called Trannyshack. The show will feature lip-synchs, mime and illusions. I’m also working on ‘Triptych’, an evening featuring live art and musical scores. This show sees me tap-dancing on golden eggshells before I ultimately reach death from exhaustion. Feature continues

How did you get into drag?
I remember the first time I wore one of my mum’s skirts – I was pretending to be the guardian angel from ‘Pinocchio’, and I was only six. I joined a band when I was a teenager and we used to wear a lot of make-up, I would get mistaken for being a girl all the time, but I secretly liked the attention from the boys. About three years ago, I started experimenting with my image again. I have worked on the doors of nightclubs and hosted parties, which led to performing.
Tell us about the London scene
Since the millennium, people have begun to dress up again; there was a point when you felt like a clown in a club but most
people I know wear wigs and a bit of make-up these days. We have even had two drag balls this year which shows the scene is thriving with creative individuals experimenting and entertaining.
Who is your style idol?
Frida Kahlo. I envy her brows.
How do you dress when you’re not in costume?
I have always been on the Quentin Crisp side of life; clothes are very important to me. I try to avoid mass-produced and marketed clothing, preferring individual or one-off pieces – I sometimes wear biblical priest gowns for breakfast.
Most outrageous look
I used to shave my entire head and make a massive mohawk out of peacock feathers. It was very dramatic.
Drag heroines
Justin Bond, Sheila Tequila, Tasty Tim and my fellow sisters Jonny and Xtina.
Style mantra
I don't think I have one. Though all my looks are always of the highest finish.
Eternal beauty tip
Forget that saying about it being found on the inside, always moisturise after you’ve shaved. And always carry some Copydex – its perfect for sticking on hair and eyelashes.