Words: Gina Tonic | Photographer: JJ Stratford | Stylist: Tatiana Waterford | Hair: Jinju Bae | Make-up: Katie Mann
The Every Outfit podcast has been epitomising diva-dom since its inception as an Instagram account in 2016 - a page that was dedicated to documenting every outfit ever worn on the ultimate diva show, Sex and the City. In the time since they took over the grid, hosts Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni have expanded the Every Outfit universe into a hit podcast, a sold out event series and some of the best merch I’ve ever seen. (A Jack Berger sticky note keychain anyone?)
Now, the diva duo are finally giving in to our insistent yells and yearns for a vodcast and have delivered Every Outfit TV, complete with a jaw dropping opening sequence from the mind of JJ Stratford. For Chelsea, the turn to video came via a push from Lauren. For Lauren, it felt important to supply fans with access to visual references, in particular for episodes like red carpet reviews or SATC rewatches.
As part of the gorgeous rollout for their newest vertical, the pair joined us to tell us their guide to being a diva. To preempt their advice, we asked Fairless and Garroni for their definition of a diva.
Chelsea says, “A deeply dramatic, undeniably fashionable woman or gay man who has incredibly high standards for themselves and others. A true diva understands that greatness requires sacrifice.”
Whilst Lauren adds, “Divas demand the best of everything from life. The real divas of the world are not concerned with trivial things like logistics, they want results….ideally immediately. And they will never hesitate to tell you which side is their good side.”
Now without further ado, here is the Every Outfit official guide to being a diva.
Don’t Be Mean
Chelsea: It is synonymous with meanness, but fundamentally it is about perfectionism, and men would never be held to this same standard. Although all of the classic examples of divas are famous women. Fame can be deeply corrupting and mind-altering, particularly among people who were quite narcissistic to begin with. When you become incapable of relating to or conversing with average people, you’ve lost the plot. That is why divas like Dolly Parton are so important. She had the image and the talent of a classic diva, without losing her connection to working class people.
Lauren: We’ve all seen when diva behavior has gone too far. See Faye Dunaway’s Sunset Blvd. backyard press conference.
Don’t Be Late
Chelsea: Cruelty is never appropriate. Nor is showing up hours after your scheduled call time. I’m sure that the Polyester team understands how deeply traumatic this behavior can be. We can all tolerate a degree of bitchiness from a diva, but a lack of respect for other people’s time is beyond inappropriate.
Know Your References
Lauren: A library card is free and good references are priceless.
Chelsea: Off the top of my head my favourite divas are Miss Piggy, Elizabeth Taylor, Faye Dunaway, Grace Jones, Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Liberace, Helen Lawson from Valley of the Dolls.
Lauren: Madonna, Cher, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone are who I would add to the list. And if we’re talking about cinematic divas, we cannot forget about the great John Waters divas: Divine, Mink Stole, Kathleen Turner in Serial Mom.
Have High Standards
Lauren: A lot of diva hatred is rooted in misogyny. When men are demanding they are seen as visionaries. But when a woman is exacting, she is considered a diva…which really means a bitch. It’s not a bad thing to have high standards or demand your worth especially in creative industries where women are typically undervalued.
Being A Diva Doesn't Have To Be A Huge Production
Lauren: Look at the great divas of the past, preferably pre-internet. Elizabeth Taylor didn’t have a stylist. Liza Minnelli did her own make-up for Cabaret. Being a diva doesn't have to be a huge production. You just need to find a good vintage dressing gown and a signature fragrance that isn’t disgusting.
But Sometimes It Does…
Chelsea: I once saw Patti Labelle walk out of the old Barneys store on 5th avenue in Manhattan. She was wearing an immaculately tailored black skirt suit and black sunglasses. And she was trailed by a pair of security guards, also in suits, who were carrying the most outrageous amount of Barneys shopping bags. It was so glamorous that it shook me to my core.
