Grizzly Kiki began in April 2014 as a pop culture and drag-centric podcast hosted by Robert Lechuga & Daniel Silva. We launched with recaps of RuPaul’s Drag Race and other reality programming. Shortly after releasing the first few episodes, we narrowed our focus to create a podcast that was unique in concept and would serve a community near and dear to us: DRAG QUEENS!!!!!!!!!!!!! The podcast is equal parts oral history and good old-fashioned kiki. We found that there were few platforms where Drag and Nightlife Artists could talk about their art and themselves in an open and honest way. Most of what is known about these artists comes from videos posted on the Internet or what they experience in bars and clubs. It was clear that there were stories to be told and shared with the world. Our mission is to create a comfortable and safe environment, where these artists can share their histories and experiences. Ours is a podcast that is meant to serve the drag and nightlife community by capturing the artists’ voices and making them available to the public. Grizzly Kiki is a program for drag enthusiasts, Drag Artists, and everyone in between. Listen and Join the Party!!
https://www.grizzlykiki.com/
Juan Chavez
“It’s Called Being A Professional, Darling.” Juan Chavez is a designer who transforms fabrics into fantasies. As a child in Palm Springs, he would trace his own clothing, creating patterns that form the basis of his earliest designs. With a mother and grandmother who sewed and an architect father, Juan grew up with an innate ability to construct garments and deconstruct those he saw around him. However, it was not until he enrolled at the Otis College of Art and Design that he would seriously pursue fashion design. It was while in college that he would develop the traditional skills of drafting patterns, draping, and construction. In his senior year, his mentor was none other than the legendary Bob Mackie. Mr. Mackie proved to be a powerful influence in Juan's life, sharing secrets of foundation construction & the chiffon nipple! Based in Los Angeles, Juan creates garments for some of today's most well-known Drag Queens. Most notable among them is Naomi Smalls, who walked into the RuPaul's Drag Race workroom with an entire wardrobe of Juan's original designs. A loyal client, Naomi would continue to trust his vision and commission to create all of her premiere looks. In many ways, he has played a crucial role in the ever-changing landscape of drag. His collaborations represent an elevation of the traditional drag aesthetic, melding couture construction with the drama and opulence sought after by Queens. Join us in welcoming Juan to the Grizzly KiKi family as we explore fashion, catch up on current events, and spill some spicy Tea about a certain flower-loving Queen!