Recently premiering its 21st season on Hulu with a fresh makeover as well as the return of some founding faces that made the show great to begin with, “Project Runway” is already serving excellence with first design challenge winner, Ethan Mundt. But Ethan’s talent is no newsflash to informed reality TV watchers who watched his drag alter ego Utica (named after her rural Minnesota hometown) slay “RuPaul’s Drag Race’s” 13th season back in 2020, where she soon became known as one of that series’ most innovative drag designers. Utica / Ethan is more than a bridge between two popular fashion-centric competition shows… she’s someone we will happily watch create beautiful art — and be sassy and fun while she’s at it — on all the platforms,
Thotyssey: Utica, hello! Thanks so much for chatting with us today! Summer is in its last stretch, but how was your Pride Month and Independence Day?
Utica: Pride Month was so full of love and color, and July 4th was a nice little breather before diving back into the chaos of life!
You’ve been seen a lot in NYC recently… I caught you at G Lounge in Chelsea not too long ago! Have you been in town for recent press events, or have you perhaps moved here since filming Project Runway?
NYC has been such a hot spot for me lately! I’ve been back and forth for press, events, and to connect with my community. Not a full-time move just yet, but I’m definitely spending more time here than ever before. But Chicago will always be home!
Did you watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 sisters Olivia Lux, Tina Burner and Denali on the most recent All-Stars season? Denali in particular had a controversial lip sync battle loss to the season’s eventual winner, Ginger Minj.
Olivia, Tina, and Denali brought such unique magic. And the Denali vs. Ginger lip sync… listen, the fans will have their opinions, and I’ll just say Denali is always a powerhouse in my eyes.
You definitely had one of the most memorable runs in the history of Drag Race… whether the judges and fans loved or were puzzled by what you were serving, you were always uniquely yourself. Was it ever tempting to just “play it safe” while competing on your season there?
It was definitely tempting, but I knew my gift was being unapologetically myself. The risks are what made my run so memorable.
Among your memorable Drag Race contributions include cracking up Ru in the workroom with some hilarious faces after she questioned you about your weed usage (and then getting flipped off by her during the roast challenge), and your awesome collab with Symone in a design challenge. But the Utica moment everyone will bring up forever is the gown from the “Bag Ball Eleganza” design challenge! Did you know how special that was when you made it… and are you displaying it on a solid gold statue somewhere, lol?
The Bag Ball gown will forever be my baby! I knew in my gut it was special while I was making it, but I had no idea it would become that iconic. And yes, in my dreams it’s displayed on a solid gold mannequin.
Did you have your own personal favorite moment from filming your season?
Honestly, every time I could make Ru laugh or share a silly, human moment with my sisters. Those are the memories I carry with me.
Do you keep in touch with your sisters from your season?
I do still keep in touch with my Season 13 sisters! They’re part of my chosen family.
Where do you turn for artistic inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everywhere: art history, sculpture, couture fashion, music, nature. I love to merge theatricality with fine art.
What’s the origin of your particular drag journey, by the way… and what came first, design or drag?
My drag journey actually started with design. I was a designer first, then found drag as a way to embody my art and bring it to life on a stage.
Do you still love performing and presenting in drag, or has design taken over?
I still adore drag, there’s nothing like it; but design is the heartbeat of what I do.
Have you ever seen the Season 5 episode of Project Runway from 2008 that featured RuPaul as a guest judge, and many iconic New York drag queens as models? Many believe this was basically a backdoor pilot for Drag Race.
Yes, I’ve seen that episode! It’s such a fun crossover moment. And to think, Drag Race is finally crossing over in a major way.
How did you find yourself as a designing contestant in the 21st Season of Project Runway, which is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu?
Project Runway had been on my dream list for years. When the opportunity came, I leapt!
Was it totally surreal to show up in a different workroom with a different crew in an entirely different genre of a competition? And did it feel particularly strange to be out of drag on camera?
It was surreal stepping into a totally different workroom and competition style. Being out of drag on camera was strange, but also liberating, I could focus purely on the clothes.
Without being spoilery, is there any general thing you’re excited for the audience to see, or is there something you want them to “get” about you when they see you?
I’m excited for people to see my artistry without the drag filter, and to understand my thought process as a designer but to still keep my drag charm.
Who creates more drama: designers or drag queens?
Honestly… designers can rival drag queens any day.
It’s so wonderful to see the return of Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia in this latest incarnation; notorious Drag Race super judge Law Roach is there, too!
Heidi and Nina are such legends, they truly want to see you shine. And Law Roach brings the perfect blend of style expertise and wit. They were all fabulous to work with.
It’s also wonderful to see Project Runway filming in New York again! Were you as sequestered by production as you were in Drag Race? Did you get to enjoy the city while filming at all? And do you have any particular favorite venues to visit or perform in here?
Filming in NYC was incredible, but yes, we were definitely sequestered! I snuck in little glimpses of the city when I could. I love seeing drag at 3 Dollar Bill, going to queer shows in Brooklyn, and catching performances at spots around the city.
You’ll be onstage at 3 Dollar Bill for “Fashion” on September 20th!
It’s going to be fierce! Expect runway moments, glamour, and a celebration of queer artistry.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m focused on building my own fashion line and blending couture design with performance. There’s lots more magic ahead.
Finally: what’s it like to be struck by lightning!? I’m guessing “terrible!”
Yes, I’ve been struck by lightning, and yes, it’s as terrifying as it sounds! I don’t recommend it.
Thanks, Utica!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Utica’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and her website.
Thotyssey 