The Big Top Couture Fashion Show

Although 2020 put most of our lives at a standstill, 2021 is the year to put things into motion. We’ve had time to learn, plan, and create during quarantine and we are now given the opportunity to show what life will be like in this new normal. Vic Carmona is just one of many individuals who has learned to adapt and forge new ideas that have been brewing since the pandemic. 

Vic comes from a place called California city; a forgotten city filled with missed opportunities and roads that lead to nowhere. So naturally, he yearned for more. When Vic turned 20 years old, he decided to enlist in the Navy for a second chance at life. He wanted to be stationed the furthest he could from home and ended up in the beautiful country of Japan. During his 5-year stay, Vic was launched into a world he never envisioned possible; a world full of opportunities that inspired him and led him closer to his journey of self-discovery.

​Fast forward to a few adventures later, Vic was hosting a fundraiser against the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy the Navy enforced. Being the first event he’s ever hosted, Vic was scrambling to get talent for his show. Unfortunately, his efforts were fruitless since not a single person showed up to volunteer their talent. But that didn’t stop him. He knew the show must go on! In a hurry, Vic slapped on some make-up, threw on a dress, and stumbled onto the stage to entertain the masses with an impromptu drag show. Although his performance was a bit shy from perfect, it sparked an interest in him that would later turn into a lifelong passion.

He began searching for drag queen costumes near and far, but every costume was priced beyond his means. So, he took matters into his own hands and decided to teach himself how to sew. Over the years, his hobby turned into a career as his designs began getting attention from the Fashion community. His work has been featured on America’s next top model, he designed costumes for performers like Luciana Caporasos and Lady Gaga in collaboration with Jeffrey Work, and has also shared designs with a myriad of local, charitable events.

Besides being a fashion designer by day and a vivacious drag queen by night, Vic is also a proactive member in his community. With a history of doing fundraisers, working with local non-profits, and hosting his own Fashion Show in 2019, Vic decided this year was the year to do something big for the community. So, he went to a fabric store and bought enough Muslin canvas to create an entire collection of unique pieces; designed with only the trendiest of trendsetters in mind. What makes it so unique you ask? Every piece will feature hand-painted, works of art from local artists. Vic aims to create at least 12 pieces for this collection and plans to launch this May for his 2021 Big Top Couture Fashion Show.

Although it will be virtual this year, rest assured it will be nothing short of spectacular! This 45-minute feature will showcase Vic Carmona’s wearable art collection with his signature, avant-garde style. But that’s not all! Vic is searching for jaw-dropping talent to make this show truly one-of-a-kind. We’re talking underwater acrobatics, ballerinas, fire breathers, and drag queens galore!  He wants the City of Santa Ana to showcase all it has to offer. But more importantly, he wants to introduce the younger generation to a part of our community many didn’t even know existed in Orange County. A collection of unique, talented, and creative individuals who prove it is exceptional to be different.

If you would like to participate in The Big Top Couture Fashion Show, please email Vic at carmona1973@gmail.com. You can also follow him on Instagram at @officialcostumes for updates and previews to his upcoming show! 


Article by Sara Marshall