Klaus Nomi, the androgynous 80s ‘alien’, asked, ‘If they saw my face, could I still take a bow? Will they know me, know me, know me now?’ The unforgettable Klaus may have been singing about himself but he could equally have been singing about another of our androgynous icons, who takes references from the 80s and serves you killer performances and looks every time – Sissy Spastik. Loverboy’s John Brock caught up with Sissy to discuss her controversial name, her favourite look to date and the bouffant hair of Dusty Springfield.

So, Sissy, tell us, for those out there who don’t know – JUST WHO IS SISSY SPASTIK?
Sissy is an avant-garde, fashion-forward chameleon. She is known for her androgynous looks, from her bright neon ensembles, to her sleek, sexy, dark looks.

Yes, you are famous for your avant-garde looks. I always see you as ‘The Arty Queen’ – the one who pulls references from everywhere! Where does your inspiration come from?
Sissy’s style and musical performances are inspired by the mod makeup and bouffant hair of the 1960’s like Peggy Moffitt and Dusty Springfield, mixed with the androgyny of Annie Lennox, Grace Jones and David Bowie. She’s heavily influenced by the New Wave movement, the photography of Guy Bourdin, the fashion editorials by Helmut Newton and the art of Patrick Nagel.

LOVE Patrick Nagel’s work. How did you come up with your name?
Growing up I was teased and called a ‘sissy.’ It stuck in my head – for better or worse. After watching De Palma’s Carrie, I was struck by the beauty and strength of Sissy Spacek’s taunted character.  Like her, I had a single mother and was singled out by bullies. I took the name Sissy Spastik to reclaim the term ‘sissy.’ It’s empowering for me now. I’m also a gemini at heart and ‘all over the place’ so the ‘spaz’ of Spastik fits.

What made you want to become a performer?
I was always starving for attention as a kid. Being an awkward, shy, only child in my family made me very introverted. I would dress up in my Mom’s makeup and dresses and prance around the house. It was exciting for me then and it’s still exciting now because you create a fantasy world, even if just for a few minutes, through your performance. I never thought that I’d be lucky enough to ‘dress up’ and perform as part of my career as an artist.

You have a vast portfolio of beautiful photography with so many killer looks. What has been your favourite so far?
Good question. I would have to say when I was body painted into Mystique from the X-Men by the amazing Diana McCallister for Queen Magazine, shot by the brilliant Magnus Hastings. It was so much fun seeing the process from start to finish into a cartoon-like character. We sprayed my hair orange (instead of me wearing a wig) to throw in my androgynous spin. The photo is one of my favorites and is included in Magnus Hastings’ book, ‘Why Drag?’

Our shoot together was shot by your friend Sequoia Emmanuelle – what is it like working with her?
Working with Sequoia is always so much fun. She is a very unique, creatively gifted and genuine soul. She’s an amazing photographer and artist. She’s always so much fun! Always upbeat, optimistic, and positive. I love her energy. <3

When can we expect a Sissy invasion to the UK?
When I’m invited. My bags are packed!

We don’t want to talk about that show… BUT when are we going to see you on RPDR? You’re always on people’s wish-lists. What can we do to make this happen?
I’m ready. What would I lip-sync to? The Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams.’ I love performing that song because Annie Lennox’s look is so iconic and striking. I feel like a powerful androgyne when I perform it.

What can we expect to see from Sissy in the future?
I’m excited to attend and participate at RuPaul’s Drag Con. Last year was my first time going and I had a blast meeting queens and fans while modelling for the incredible Shokra.

If there was one thing you could get rid of in the world, what would it be?
Ignorance and injustice.

The Orlando attacks happened just a few days after our session. What was it like at that time in America in the clubs?
It felt like people were more defiant and determined to show the world that the LGBTQ community will not live in fear and not let anyone or anything tear us apart as a community. It was beautiful to see all of the vigils all over the world.

And lastly…..we are named after the infamous Mariah Carey song, ‘Loverboy.’ What is your favourite Mariah song?
‘I don’t know her.’

Catch Sissy at RuPaaul’s DragCon this weekend and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

CREDITS

Photography: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Stylist: Jessica Huerta
Hair by Jaime Diaz
Wigs: Rockstar Wigs

1. On Aura Tout Vu Dress, Victoria Grant Hat, Sunglasses sissy owned

2. Dora Abodi Jacket courtesy archive The Residency, Majesty Black Gloves courtesy archive The Residency, Hat Victoria Grant, Spike collar Manokhi, Bra bodybinds, Strappy chest harness Clarebare, Corset Sissy-owned, Bottoms Sissy-owned.

3. Majesty Black Gloves Bjorn Van Den Berg Skirt Collar Sissy owned

4. Dress Dora Abodi courtesy archive The Residency

5. Dress: Dora Abodi courtesy archive The Residency Harness Manokhi Bottoms Sissy own Sunglasses Sissy own

6. IMG-8608 Erovos Aether Corset courtesy archive The Residency Maria Piana Necklace courtesy archive The Residency Valerj Pobega Rings courtesy archive The Residency

7. Stop Violence by On Aura Tout Vu Dress Gloves by Majesty Black