GLM TEAM 
Pushing the boundaries of denim design.
G-Star RAW presents its latest project, ‘Denim Drags,’ partnering with costume design studio The Nightmare Disorder. The progressive denim brand has once again pushed the limits of denim with custom-made outfits for international drag icons Shea Couleé, Envy Peru and Hungry. Speaking to G-Star’s dedication to craftsmanship, the couture pieces feature intricate details and innovative constructions, a nod to the art of drag.
The Nightmare Disorder
G-Star partnered up with The Nightmare Disorder, a niche design studio founded by Benji Nijenhuis and partner Nemo Cheminée. Besides running his own label, Nijenhuis also works as a pattern maker at G-Star, the perfect bridge between the brand’s denim expertise and the world of couture. To match the drag queens’ characters and vision, The Nightmare Disorder designed three individual outfits. The custom-made designs are entirely crafted with denim, the world’s most democratic and rebellious fabric.
Behind the looks
Created for Shea Couleé, the ‘Trophy Gown’ is a voluminous dress with sculptural elements inspired by 2000’s Paris couture. The statuesque dress features an exaggerated version of the G-Star Elwood knee pad wrapped around the legs.
Designed for Envy Peru, the ‘Disco Dreamer’ is an ode to the ’70s, the era of disco, where designers like Paco Rabbane and artists like Cher were having their momentum. The short dress contains over 2,000 metal rings, reminiscent of the hardware typically used in jeans. The giant headpiece is arguably the eyecatcher of the outfit – made with titanium, the crown features laser-printed denim feathers.
The look created for Hungry comes from the fascination with metropolitan cities, crowded with people wearing denim. ‘Anatomical Distortion’ plays with that feeling by fusing multiple bodies into one shape. The outfit is built on the fundaments of a classic denim jacket and capri jeans, turning the casual look into an artistic couture piece.
Photography credit: Ari Versluis @ari_versluis
Product credit: All Looks custom-made G-Star by the Nightmare Disorder
About G-Star RAW
G-Star RAW (1989) looks at denim differently. It’s not a fabric. It represents art. The ‘Art of Denim’ is the philosophy behind a relentless pursuit to push boundaries. It inspires their craftmanship and approach to denim. Always taking it to another level. It pushes us all to think like artists. Striving for creativity, authenticity and following our own paths. The world of art and culture takes G-Star beyond the realm of fashion. It gives the brand a unique position in the denim landscape, where it see no limits. Turning denim into a force of progress that respects people and the planet.
G-Star has worked with true originals for decades, including Pharrell Williams, Marc Newson, Stephen Jones, Maarten Baas, Cara Delevingne, Anton Corbijn, Rem Koolhaas and Burna Boy. The premium denim brand operates worldwide, with a focus on the United States, Europe, Japan and South Africa.
About The Nightmare Disorder
The Nightmare Disorder is an Amsterdam-based costume design studio founded by Benji Nijenhuis and Nemo Cheminée in 2020. Specializing in custom creations for drag queens, artists, and performers, the studio uses storytelling and character-building to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Since its inception, The Nightmare Disorder has designed costumes for international drag superstars such as The Countess, ChelseaBoy, and Dakota Schiffer. In 2023, the studio was the recipient of the Talent Development Grant from the Creative Industries Fund NL.
About Shea Couleé
Shea Couleé (she/they) is a non-binary drag superstar, singer, model, and actor. The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5, Shea is known for their fashion-forward looks and their use of drag as a powerful storytelling tool, earning praise from publications like Vogue and W Magazine. An LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC activist, Shea describes their drag as a “love letter to Black women.”
About Hungry
Hungry (she/her) is the alter ego of Johannes J. Jaruraak. Based in Berlin, Hungry is known for her distorted drag and makeup artistry, leading her to become the makeup lead for Björk’s Utopia and Fossora album covers. She has also been featured on Das Erste’s docuseries A Glamorous Takeover, and in publications like PAPER, Vogue Singapore, Highsnobiety, Dazed, The Fader, and Gay Times.
About Envy Peru
Envy Peru (she/her) is a Peruvian drag queen based in Amsterdam. After winning Season 1 of Drag Race Holland, Envy made history as the first Dutch drag superstar. Known for her sensual performances and cutting-edge makeup, Envy has appeared as a host on De Diva in Mij and Pride Test, and as a judge on Drag Race Holland Season 2, Drag Race España Season 1, and RTL4’s Make Up Your Mind.
About The Author
