Day: November 24, 2014

dr.a.g. the world’s most glamorous coffee table book returns centre stage for an encore performance just in time for Christmas with twenty new faces and photographs included in this new bookthefilm edition.

THE PREFACE to this magnificent ‘piece of art’ reminds us that in the early days of theatre, male actors played both the male and female roles. Actors were known as either dr.a.g. (dressed as a girl), or dr.a.b. (dressed as a boy).

“Drag has become a diverse form of expression that challenges, entertains and educates by pushing boundaries, while embracing beauty, comedy and glamour.”

The performers appearing in this new book are evidence of that very diversity, captured by some of the top photographers working in the world today.

This new edition, with twenty never-before-seen images, features photos that represent a wide spectrum of drag icons, including Jeffree Star, shot by photographer Austin Young, Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe by photographer Walter Melrose, Larry Edwards as Tina Turner by photographer Ninon Nguyen and the book closes with wonderful images of the legendary Jim Bailey photographed by Richard Armas and Peter Palladino. While most of the performers are from the US and Canada, there are a few artists featured from Europe, Australia and South America.

The career of Christopher Logan the author and editor began in Hollywood and eventually landed him on the big screen, in the Nia Vardalos and Toni Collette drag comedy, Connie and Carla.

Christopher said: “Early drag was campier. It was more about poking fun of iconic Hollywood divas. Today’s drag is more outrageous. They strive to be celebrities in their own right. As long as drag continues to push boundaries, I believe there is room for all varieties.”

“These are amazing performers, make up artists, stylists, and photographers. They are examples of how good drag can be when artists take the time to learn the craft and respect it.”

First and foremost this book is an important historical record of our recent and contemporary history. The quality of the images are breathtaking and the printing (produced in China) is top dollar. It is a first class production, something the authors and collaborators should be immensely proud of having produced and clearly a labour of love.

One small criticism, I think it would benefit from having a contents page or index at the back to make navigation easier.

That aside, the book has wall to wall pages of glorious images that are individual pieces of art in their own right and will make a perfect Christmas present for lovers of the art of  dr.a.g.

For more information and to order the book online: click here:  

Gscene has one copy of the book to offer as a competition prize to a lucky reader.

Send your answer on a postcard to: Gscene Magazine Ltd. 111 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1DD to the following question. In what city and in what year was Jim Bailey born.