Drag performer Misty Frequency on three outfits that define them
By Tom Levesque
This video was first published on October 6, 2022. It was republished on September 16, 2023.
The story of Misty Frequency began with the land occupation at Ihumātao, when Piripi Huirua-Mackie joined a collective of Māori and non-Māori protecting sacred land from development. A self-confessed introvert, Piripi was out of their comfort zone in a space full of strangers, but found beauty in almost every direction.
Surrounded by new faces, Piripi was enlightened by the collective Māori spirit of courage and standing for what’s right. Through this experience, Piripi reflected on dreams they had of being a drag performer, but hadn’t had the courage to follow through. Through their time at Ihumātao and seeing people pursue what felt important to them, Piripi grew in confidence and decided that drag was something that just needed to happen. From this moment, the persona of Misty Frequency was born.
Using their tipuna to influence their look, Piripi created the hypnotising yet alluring presence of Misty Frequency. Fierce eyes, bold lips with only red, black and white to reflect tino rangatiratanga; Misty’s desire of Māori sovereignty.
Making all of their own clothing themself, Misty is a creative spirit with a political voice that we can see through their fashion.
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