Madame Divine | dragmein

Madame Divine Leschan

Tuscany’s 2013 Drag Princess, a performer since 2009 and a fashion lover, Madame Divine Leschan takes us through her journey into her own becoming. Her introspective and artistic image is the result of the time she spent reflecting and getting to know herself better. Her artistic performances became the way she best communicates with the world.

The desire to escape from reality and from every day’s monotony pushed her inner self to come out and express herself. Being a Drag is like being part of a science with no laws; everyone is free to do what they please and here is where Madame Divine’s particularity starts to shine.

Her originality flows through each one of her outfits which she hand makes. From the initial sketches to the final packaging of her outfits it is all done through Madame Divine’s devotion. Her performances attract an intellectual crowd through each and every story she decides to tell. She is a Theatrical Drag Queen and not just an entertainer.

For Madame Divine buying different garments is simply out of the question.

‘Nobody else knows you better than you so it is impossible for somebody to make clothes that represent you 100%’

After experiencing performing in theaters, international nights organized with Erasmus students, clubs in Pisa like the historical gay Colors Disco Pub and Pappafico, Madame Divine reflects on how important it is to give life to your Drag Queen image: it is a personal research of one’s self and of esthetics. Living in Florence has been highly beneficial for Madame Divine for two primary reasons:

It is here where she learned how to sew properly while studying Pattern Design at Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing.
The makeup & artist center Nicla has been her best friend all along. From here she finds all the cosmetics she needs and there has been no other shop in Italy that has been able to meet her requirements so far like Nicla has.

Her passionate interest in fashion has led her to look at things differently, to question things and to merge her vintage essence and looks with the contemporary feel of our time. Designers like John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier and obviously Alexander McQueen are all inspirational to Madame Divine. This is because they continue on creating haute couture pieces that Drag Queens would absolutely be proud to wear.

Madame Divine (aka Francesco Gioia) is relatively satisfied with nowadays fashion. He says that there is that constant battle between price, quality and availability of different sizes. For this reason compromises must be occasionally made. On a daily basis Francesco makes sure that trousers, a shirt and coat, as well as his own creations, are part of his daily look. While scarfs, bracelets and necklaces made out of brazen and aluminum are his ABC when it comes to accessories.

It is here where she learned how to sew properly while studying Pattern Design at Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing.