Ridgewood’s resident “Adjunct Drag Artist” is challenging our drag expectations while keeping the kiki alive… Nouveau Richie!
Thotyssey: Hi Nouveau! Thanks for this meetup! How are you feeling about this drastic change of temperature?
Nouveau Richie: Bonjour. Lovely to chat with you on this muggy Sunday. I actually fancy myself as an “Ice Queen” and despite being a Cancer, my favorite seasons are winter and fall. However, we’ve had a very un-autumn season–climate change is real. And yes, I’m keeping my AC unit in my window until further notice.
Cancer here as well, and same!
Cancer hive stand up! Always lovely to meet another sensitive sibling, ha! I’m a Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon and Virgo Rising. So you know, “whatever that means” *In my Nene Leakes Voice*
Yes! By the way, do nightlife friends generally call you “Nouveau” or “Richie” for short?
You know what’s funny? I thought people would stumble over “Nouveau,” as it’s a French word–but people call me that. My original drag name was “Allure”–which I’ve bestowed upon my black cat, a South Philly born-and-raised heroine–so I had actually always envisioned going by one name, though I like the play on words with my surname.
How did you fall into drag, and is Philadelphia your hometown?
I grew up in South Jersey, by way of Philly–which is where a majority of my mother’s family is from and resides. Philly has my heart and is where I became who I am, in and out of drag. I would say a pivotal point for me was when Islaya, my absolute favorite Drag Auntie and performer, was booked and busy and asked me to take her slot at Bar Jade in Brooklyn circa late 2021-early 2022– that’s when I had first performed in a club. Luckily I was joined by my Drag Auntie Thee Suburbia and my mother Ella Fartzgerald, so it was amazing to be with each other that night.
Can you describe your drag today to the uninitiated, as far as looks and numbers go?
I fancy myself as an “Adjunct Drag Artist,” ha! I’m not ubiquitous in the scene, but I would say that my presence is impactful. To piggy back off of the name “Nouveau Richie,” which is inspired by the icon Nicole Richie, I’ve always found inspiration in the glitterati jet set that Slim Aarons captured: socialites and heiresses of yesteryear. But my drag, like many political statements, is a Merci Beaucoup to many influential Black tastemakers while still acknowledging how Blackness does not get to occupy or be recognized in this nuanced space of luxury and glamour.
It’s not that deep, but in laymen’s terms Black drag performers are not given the agency to explore different concepts and messages through their performances. In my opinion, I saw my counterparts be regarded and lauded for beauty, grace, and taste within many realms (from horror to retro-glam) and different aesthetics while seeing Black performers be either stereotyped, pigeonholed, or not acknowledged for trying new things or pushing boundaries.
In real life, I’m bougie and silly… and Nouveau is an extension of that. My drag family and siblings are phenomenal entertainers and visionaries. At some point I created this Hilary Banks character in my head, and my numbers are always fun pop culture cuts with a hint of Mariah or a British Nu-Disco Diva. Kimora Lee Simmons, Lil Kim and the Black church are where I saw glamour, ornamentation and style! Although it’s iconic and the blueprint, not every Black drag queen has to subscribe to the pageantry, powerhouse splits, and all five elements. However, since I’m an “adjunct” queen, I’ve always wanted to explore on this concept more… but essentially that’s the idea I was going for.
That’s a wonderful place to be! Much of that drag family you’re a part of consists of the POC Drag Arts Collective, which is headed by Thee Suburbia! She is another queen that explores those different types of drag.
Yes! I am a part of the POC Collective, founded by Thee Suburbia America–my drag aunt, mentor and one of thee most special humans in my life. As you know, our collective’s initiative is to showcase, prioritize and magnify the talents and voices of BLK and Brown queer and trans creatives. I’m so grateful for the siblings and support system Suburbia has cultivated, and its members have nourished.
Suburbia is actually a big inspiration in my character development. Her craft definitely highlights the glamour, embellishment, and soulfulness of Black divas in music and cinema of the 50, 60 and 70s, but recontextualizes it masterfully in a campy, energetic showstopping presentation.
For me, hip hop culture, the over the top ostentatiousness of the 80s and 90s and visibility of Black wealth in pop culture have all inspired Nouveau Richie. The name is also a play on Nouveau Riche, which means “new money” in French. I tend to incorporate a lot of hip hop and rap in my numbers. A part of my persona is this rapper caricature meets Rococo princess of ill gotten gains–it’s all fun. I did a number that took a song from My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn and mixed it with Missy Elliott. Nouveau Richie is the intersection of those different types of glamour, and the POC Collective encourages that exploration.
You host monthly bingo at Diane’s in Brooklyn with your prior-mentioned POC Collective mom Ella Fartzgerald!
Ella is my absolute favorite being, best friend and soul sister. I forced her to be my drag mother, and I will be her only child. We’ve done so many gigs together, and this by far is my favorite. A buddy of mine works part time at Diane’s Bar, which is located in Williamsburg off the L Graham stop. The bar is a spectacular haven dedicated to the memory of the late and angelic Diane Langan-Kullmann, a dear friend to the owners, whose beautiful spirit radiates everywhere. Our bingo is every first Sunday of the month from 4 to 6pm. We give shows and games with prizes, and it’s a very fabulous time. Ella and I have great chemistry, and we cut up and carry each show.
And you have another show called “Gorgina” at Echo Bravo, with co-host Sarah Creamin’ Onion.
Sarah Creamin’ Onion is so spectacular and a vocal supreme, who constantly reminds me to find the joy in drag. We’ve done so many shows together, from viewing parties to open sets. “Gorgina” is a concept we came up with, at our home away from home Echo Bravo. The idea was to do a show that emphasizes all things fabulousity and frivolousity. Every second and fourth Fridays at 8:30PM, we perform curated numbers (live numbers, and our standard diva tributes) and sometimes an occasional prize-winning challenge.
And as an official Ridgewood Gworl, you’re the perfect queen to co-host a recurring brunch at The Seneca with Nicky O, returning December 16th!
Honey, I am the Ridgewood Qween™️ coined and self-titled Mother of Ridgewood Drag. I moved to NYC from Philadelphia in 2016, and haven’t moved out the neighborhood. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a network of chosen family and friends. The gag is at one point, four to five drag performers separately lived on the same block, and many queens like Miss Bussy and Sarah Creamin’ Onion have produced shows at various venues.
I’m fortunate to have Nicky O as a dear sister, and was happy to hear that she partnered with The Seneca, a staple restaurant and bar on Seneca Ave., on a potential recurring monthly brunch. Since November, Nicky, Jo Disco and I have performed our monthly Ridgewood drag brunch to crowd of residences, neighbors, families and familiar faces. It’s so unique because each brunch truly feels like a family reunion celebration.
You’re also gonna be in the cast of the premiere of Nicky’s “Pop Off,” Metropolitan’s new Friday night party!
It’s gonna be a carry! December 1st we are celebrating our Nicky’s birthday with shows and shenanigans. It’s also to me, as an “Ice Queen,” the start of a prosperous holiday season.
And looking way ahead into February, another Nicky O production you’ll be a part of: “Night of 1000 Janets!” What you’re favorite Janet Jackson track?
OMG, my fav album is The Velvet Rope and I would do the “I Get So Lonely” choreography. I’m so excited for everyone to see me get into a little two step/ eight count.
Have great shows! Okay lastly… what do you want for Christmas!?
Aside from peace, prosperity and pesos, I’ve been eying a Goyard “Goyardine St Louis” tote, in orange.
Thanks, Nouveau!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Nouveau Richie’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Thotyssey 