Ethan Mundt, a Chicago-based designer, is making waves in the fashion world as he takes his innovative designs to the upcoming season of ‘Project Runway.’
Known for his imaginative creations for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ Mundt has previously collaborated with notable queens such as Daya Betty and Willow Pill, crafting vibrant, avant-garde garments that have captured the attention of the drag community and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Mundt gained recognition for his scaly, cockroach-inspired outfit for Daya Betty in the recent ‘All Stars’ season, showcasing his ability to transform unconventional materials into stunning runway pieces.
His design for Willow Pill, which featured a four-headed doll in a silky olive ensemble, further cemented his reputation in the world of drag fashion.
As the first ‘Drag Race’ alum to compete on ‘Project Runway,’ Mundt aims to bridge the perceived gap between the drag scene and ready-to-wear fashion, pushing back against stereotypes that box drag into the realm of fantasy.
“I firmly believe that drag inspires fashion,” said Mundt. “My goal on the show is to open doors for other queens in the fashion industry.”
Currently, ‘Project Runway’ is airing on the Disney-owned Freeform network, with episodes streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Mundt’s journey on the show is being eagerly anticipated, especially among fans in Chicago, where a premiere party will be hosted at Roscoe’s Tavern in conjunction with ‘Drag Race’ star Brooke Lynn Hytes.
With a background in art history, studio arts, and theater costuming from Hamline University, Mundt combines his academic knowledge with his innate sense of design to create pieces that stand out.
His designs are characterized by a fusion of classic silhouettes with avant-garde fabric choices, resulting in an aesthetic that he describes as having an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ twist alongside an alien energy.
The competition on ‘Project Runway’ presents a different kind of challenge compared to ‘Drag Race,’ where contestants are tasked primarily with sewing throughout the entire process.
“It’s a lot of manual labor,” Mundt noted. “’Drag Race’ is about creating a character and showing the best version of yourself.”
As he enters this new realm, Mundt is focused not only on showcasing his skills but also on fostering camaraderie among his fellow contestants.
“Now they’re like my friends,” he said, highlighting the supportive environment they have built during the filming.
Judged by a panel that includes supermodel Heidi Klum, Elle Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia, and Chicago-born image architect Law Roach, Mundt is excited to reveal his designs to the world.
He described the judges’ different energies: Klum brings a playful vibe, Garcia alternates between kindness and sternness, while Roach offers pointed critiques.
Mundt’s experience in the drag world is rich; after competing on ‘Drag Race,’ he showcased his design talents in an exhibition titled ‘Homecoming Queen’ at the Rochester Art Center in Minnesota.
“This was the culmination of my work,” he reflected. “Bringing it all back home was an amazing experience.”
Living in Chicago, Mundt is part of a vibrant drag community, where he collaborates with other queens on design projects and alterations.
His work with Daya Betty, Willow Pill, Denali, and Kahmora Hall showcases his talent and the strong relationships he has built within the drag scene.
Feeling at home in Chicago, Mundt appreciates the supportive environment, stating, “There are good people and good vibes here.”
As ‘Project Runway’ unfolds, audiences can expect to see the unique fusion of drag, art, and fashion evolve through Mundt’s contributions.
image source from：chicago
