Photography: Yann Morrison for têtu
[Interview to be found in the autumn issue, at your newsstand or on subscription.] At 30, Piche has moved beyond the status of revelation from Drag Race France. Between rap and drag, his project is gaining momentum: his second EP, Sur un malentendu has just been released and his first Olympia, in November, is already sold out. But one thing has not changed: his taste for the theatrical! Even our tour of his bathroom takes on the look of a fashion shoot.
You know that Le Filip was the first drag queen to open up her bathroom to us? And let’s say it was… a joyful mess!
For my part, I have no choice but to be orderly, because I live in a shared apartment with my boyfriend and Vespi [who appeared, like Piche, in Drag Race France season 2, ed.]. Each has their own closet and nothing is left lying around! We don’t label our products, but we’re not far from it.
A beauty tip to give someone who is just starting in drag?
You have to take care of your skin! No matter how well you do your makeup: if your skin is a disaster, the makeup won’t adhere properly and the result won’t be optimal. Preparation is almost more important than the makeup itself.
And a beauty tip that applies to everyone?
Do you shower? It seems to me that it’s always good advice!
We can guess that Piche has a lot of gear in his bathroom… Is Mike, the guy under the wig, more minimalist?
When I’m not in drag, I use only my “boy kit.” It contains a razor, a setting spray, blush, a lip oil, shea mousse for the body, a beard brush… It’s my survival kit.
To quote one of your singles, one could say you’re “square,” when it comes to organization!
Ah yes! For skincare, I also have two separate kits: one for the morning, one for the evening. The musts are retinol, moisturizing cream and sun protection. If I can add hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, I do. I’ve even numbered each product with labels, so I know the order to apply them on my skin. Hello, I am Virgo with Taurus rising!
Are you as strict about your workout routine?
When I’m disciplined, I go to the gym five to six times a week. I work by area, isolating the upper and lower body, with a session dedicated to muscles that are often neglected. I’m even more meticulous with dieting. But that’s how you get results! In the end, it’s fairly simple: it’s math. Then you have to stick with it…
On Instagram, you give the impression of always being on top…
Let’s say there are moments when I find my body presentable, so I show it. But I don’t think I have a healthy relationship with social networks. Studies have shown that they amplify our insecurities and thus have a negative impact on self-esteem. Clearly, if I could do without networks, I would. Anyway, as an artist, if there are things to prove, it happens on stage and not online.
We know that Piche has a flirtatious side; is that also the case for Mike?
Piche is totally an instigator! You can say it, I like it. And I’m completely a provocateur too! With or without drag, my artistic project swims in seduction. I’ve always enjoyed pleasing, but I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing. It all depends on how you want to seduce. The important thing is not to misrepresent yourself while doing it. Amusing for a drag queen to say, isn’t it?
How do you prepare for a date?
It’s important to look rested, even if you aren’t necessarily. I choose the least covering product possible, even if I have to layer more. In terms of fragrance, I vary quite a bit. Right now, it’s Hibiscus Mahajad, by Maison Crivelli. I was at an event, someone told me it was expensive, I smelled it and I swiped it!
Is style of clothing important as well?
I’m well supported on the clothing front, but I don’t have a personal style! I have a taste for the eventful, the theatrical, the stage, but if you talk to me about fashion, I’m lost. I can wear anything, but I’m completely unable to coordinate pieces. I would have no place in The Devil Wears Prada!
What is your bathroom essential?
A toothbrush.
Your worst memory in a bathroom?
Perhaps that moment when you discover a new wrinkle… Because if the lighting hasn’t changed, the problem must be you.
And what is the most intimate thing here?
All my off-notes when I sing in the shower!
