‘It’s an amazing feeling’: KC designer creates looks for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’

Whitney Manney has always loved the style, glamour and message of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” since the very beginning.

But the new season of a spinoff series is a bombshell for this Kansas City clothing designer.

Two of her custom creations will appear on Season Eight of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” which starts streaming Friday, May 12, on Paramount+ with two episodes. (New episodes will stream each Friday.)

“I am not even sure if I have processed everything,” says Manney, 32, a KC native. “I feel more so in shock right now, but in a good way.”

Since she was a child, Manney wanted to work in some sort of creative field.

“I always knew I would be some kind of artist, but just not sure what type,” she says. She ended up learning much of her craft at the Kansas City Art Institute, immersing herself in every corner of fashion and design.

For several years she worked odd jobs, such as an assistant in a dance studio and freelance sewing for a company that makes boxing gloves. Finally she could own her own business, WM Label, and her efforts started bearing fruit.

Last year her clothing designs were featured in the hit Peacock streaming series “Bel-Air,” created by Kansas Citian Morgan Cooper.

And now her custom looks will be worn by “Drag Race” competitor Monica Beverly Hillz.

Here’s the connection: Manney was finishing a custom job of sashes to be worn by local members of Transformations KC at a Pride Month event. Merrique Jenson, who founded the local trans rights organization, thought Manney would be perfect for a show she didn’t identify right away, only to say it revolved around fashions, runways and drag. Jenson is also Hillz’s manager. Manney got the gig.

Manney says she wants to make pieces for people to live comfortably in their true selves.

“I feel like I create visual statements. I love working with color, pattern and texture,” she says. “Those are the big three elements of my work, but there are narratives in there and self expression. WM Label started as like a project of self-love, trying to find who I am, figure myself out and being genuine and comfortable.”

“Drag Race All Stars” brings back contestants from various seasons for a chance to win a grand prize of $200,000.

“I love ‘Drag Race’ and have such a respect for it,” she says. “I have such a respect for performers and wanting to hear everybody’s story, and the amount of creativity that each contestant puts into each challenge is amazing to me.”

She created Hillz’s entrance look, Manney’s favorite part because it introduces the performer. The costume is inspired by the 1989 film “Troop Beverly Hills.” Hillz is dressed as a Girl Scout troop leader, complete with sash, bonnet and a hand-dyed and painted cape. The color scheme is pink and blue to pay homage to the transgender pride flag.

Hillz was the second contestant to come out as a transgender woman in the show’s history, and Manney was proud to incorporate those pieces of Hillz’s life into her design.

Coming from sewing boxing gloves to making outfits that grace TV screens is a significant leap for the Art Institute graduate and a clear sign that things are heading in the right direction, she says.

“The overwhelming support and surprise and people being genuinely happy about it,” says Manney, “it’s an amazing feeling.”

J.M. Banks

The Kansas City Star

J.M. Banks is The Star’s culture and identity reporter. He grew up in the Kansas City area and has worked in various community-based media outlets such as The Pitch KC and Urban Alchemy Podcast.