Alvilda

Alexandre/Alvilda is a trained actor and make-up artist who is just starting out in her drag career, oscillating between sensuality, fetishism and limitless drag.

What inspired you to get into your discipline?

“I got into drag by pure chance. Like many, I loved watching RuPaul's drag race. It was this show that opened my eyes to this world and to the art of drag. I had a difficult period in my acting career where I couldn't find my place, where I didn't feel legitimate, like an imposter. I decided to take a break and train as a make up artist (having in mind the fabulous transformations possible thanks to make up) in order to be able to combine acting and make up during low periods. During my make up artist training, with a friend, we decided to go to Pride in drag, for fun. At this Pride, we met two girls from "Chez Maman" who told us to participate in the debutante weekend. I accepted to please my friend who wanted to start drag in Belgium (he is Brazilian)! From there, working with several girls from Chez Maman during rehearsals, Mademoiselle Boop (founder of Cabaret Mademoiselle) asked me to participate in an open stage at the cabaret and since then, I've been an integral part of their team! Without knowing it, the idea of going in drag "for fun" at Pride marked the beginning of Alvilda.”

Drag is the perfect intersection of my passions.

The stage, acting, dancing, makeup, entertainment, all in a fantasy character that goes beyond the limits that Alexander alone would not dare to cross.

Did you have any influential role models?

“Sasha Velour played a big role for me. She was there (symbolically, via screen) during a difficult time when I didn't fit in anywhere and didn't feel legitimate in anything. She showed me that it was ok to be different, to think differently, to assume yourself as you are and to turn all that into art. I got a tattoo on my chest in tribute to Sasha Velour to remind me every time I see it what she gave me. 

I also really admire Milk for those same reasons, both for the quirkiness and the aesthetic. 

Violet Chachki, Dita Von Teese and Betty Page for the fetish side that I also like to exploit. 

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Salvator Dali are a huge inspiration for me, whether in the aesthetic, the casualness, the universe.”

What is your creative process and what are the most important things you keep in mind when beginning a new project? Are there any recurring themes/issues you like to address within your work?

“I like to tell myself stories during my creative periods. A music, a theme, a piece of art, can be the trigger. I don't give myself limits, I explore and let my imagination take over. I don't limit myself to pure classical beauty. For me, beauty can be found in chaos, in disorder and that's what's interesting!”

What do you enjoy most about your work?

“The moment when, thanks to a small detail in the makeup, everything falls into place and the "fantasy" happens.”

What advice would you give to artists starting out or to those artists who are struggling with creative blocks?

“Just go for it. Don't overthink it and do what makes you happy!”