“Krietjur is part of the Ghent drag collective House of Lux. Together with Mauve Lux and Susan from Grindr, we have been organizing various events here in Ghent and the surrounding area since 2018. My interest in drag started when Mauve put me into drag for the first time. I was introduced to the fashion world (something I've always been interested in) and from there it started.”
“I am a feisty lady, I always say I am the child of Morticia Adams and Naomi Campbell. The reference to this is because I have a big passion for fashion. I've always had a huge fascination for "strange and dark" things, including the fetish world - that's why I describe myself as a dominatrix. All these things come together in my drag persona. A look queen with an obscure side. A dominant lady who can be very intimidating and who knows what she wants, has a clear opinion about everything. A soft side if you get to know her well but know who's the boss.”
Picture by Daan Dekeyser
Krietjur
What inspires your aesthetic and what is your creative process?
“My inspiration is, as I said, based on the supermodels and dark elements such as the fetish world. I have been collecting vintage (designer) clothing for a few years now, mainly from the 80s and 90s, such as Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Guess, Hervé Léger… these are usually pieces that I wear myself. So I always want to look perfect when I step out the door from my hair to my look to my accessories. My motto is “Comfort? What about confidence?”. In addition, I also make clothing that shows a high couture level. The 90's supermodels also play an important role in that, the appearance, their (diva) personality, the life they had, the glamor and fame is something that I find very fascinating. And this is what I try to create in my drag persona as well. The high life. I also get a lot of inspiration from 50s fetish magazines and 80s airbrush illustrators such as John Willie, Gene Billdrew, Pator Sato, and Sorayama.”
What is the meaning/story behind your drag name?
“Krietjur comes from the English word creature. I came up with this because at the beginning of my drag career I liked to scare and intimidate people (something I still take with me but in a different way) with my 1.90m height I also come across very impressive . I have several role models that are also part of my inspiration: Violet Chachki, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Samatha Jones from Sex & the City, Dominique Jackson, and of course Naomi Campbell.”
What about drag and performance as a medium speaks to you? How did you get your start in it?
“My first performance was also during our first show with House of Lux. We had found a small venue where we could organize this. Because there was no drag scene in Ghent at the time, we created this ourselves. My performances are usually an ode to the strong woman, someone who can stand on their own without the help of someone else. I am a minimalist person both in and out of drag. I usually extend this to my outfits and numbers as well. You're not going to see me jumping around on stage for a little mediocre applause. I let the audience feel and experience my acts. That's where I get my kicks. do as little as possible with maximum effect. that's how I keep the focus.”
What is your dream project?
My goal in drag might be a bit cliché but I would like to be on the cover of a magazine or walk during Paris fashion week. When I have achieved this I will stop drag and sell everything. But in addition, something more realistic things are hosting or participating in a TV show, an exhibition of my clothes, standing in Sportpaleis and attending drag race.
