HX Outburst 2004: Dynamic design duo no longer on the fringe of fashion.
By Brandon Voss
The Heatherette label grew from a three-year romance between fashionistas Traver Rains, a former horseback riding champion, and Richie Rich, a pro ice skater-cum-club kid. This year took the design team, who create many of Jake Shears’ threads, further into the mainstream with high-profile appearances and celebrity-studded runway shows. We caught up with the social butterflies to get the skinny on their stellar 2004.
HX: OMG, what was it like to have Naomi Campbell walk in your show for Fashion Week?
Richie Rich: Dream come true!
What about your America’s Next Top Model appearance?
RR: It was more fun behind the scenes than on television.
Traver Rains: Sitting on the panel for 12 hours debating with Tyra Banks and Janice Dickinson was amazing. I wish Norelle would have won, though.
You both seem so chill about the celebrity attention. Are you jaded already?
RR: Honey, jade is for jewelry! I’m a 15-year-old girl inside and I always will be!
TR: I’m still a wholesome country boy.
RR: That’s a lie!
How much mainstream exposure can you get before you’re forced to lose your edge?
RR: I’ll never lose my edge — I’m an ice skater! It’s the Madonna theory: Inspire kids around the world and you’ll stay inspired while you’re doing it.
TR: We never listened to outside influences or followed trends, but we totally enjoy the mainstream exposure.
Which trends did you loathe from 2004?
TR: Uggs are awful.
RR: Yeah, and thongs. But I see Veuve Cliquot on the horizon! I see fags being more lovable next year!
What was your guiltiest pleasure of the year?
RR: Flirting with every boy I saw.
TR: Getting my first official Heatherette paycheck.
What was your favorite hangout?
RR: Anywhere the Trinity was, like the Maritime Hotel. And of course Faggot Feud at xl.
TR: The Hole.
What was your favorite song?
RR: Scissor Sisters’ “Take Your Mama.”
TR: Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?”
What was most unsung?
TR: John Kerry.
RR: And Scissor Sisters in America.
How about most overexposed?
TR: Queer Eye.
RR: Amanda Lepore’s vagina — and we love it!
What was your favorite scandal?
TR: Finding out Amanda’s not really a tranny.
RR: Missy Elliot and Eva from America’s Next Top Model are bumping pussies!
What was your biggest challenge?
RR: Making flights, keeping appointments, and holding on to makeup without leaving it in a cab.
TR: Dragging Richie, [Heatherette family members] Aimee, and Macky home from a club before 5am.
With whom would you like to collaborate in 2005?
TR: Kid Robot is making Heatherette dolls next year.
RR: I can’t wait to throw Dolly Parton into the mix.
Single? Dating? Whoring around with your hot models?
RR: I’m very picky when it comes to a boyfriend. I want to marry a nice Jewish boy. Traver on the other hand…
TR: No comment.
HX, December 2004.