Kim Chi is a live-action anime character who works as a high fashion model. She's a Boystown regular, known for big conceptual outfits with a matching headpiece. "I like to look completely different every time I'm in drag and narrate a story visually from head to toe."
Her roots are in Halloween years ago, dressed for the occasion. "We had so much fun, we kept going out dressed up," she said.
Chi has regular gigs around town. She is the main host ( and art director ) at all the Neverland Productions events, such as the pool party, scheduled for June 27, followed by the Bougie Ball at the Metro that night, and then the Pride closing party at The Mid on June 28. Chi also a regular cast member of Trannika's Most Wanted at Scarlet Bar and she makes regular appearances at the Drag Matinee at Berlin Nightclub on Saturdays.
Drag, she said, gives her the chance "to create a persona for yourself and transform into whomever you want to become."
Chi now has "so many different looks, [thus] it's kind of hard to pick just a few," she said.
"Performance-wise, I like to make people laugh, whether they're laughing at me or laughing with me," she said. "I consider myself a kooky, nerdy person and I make lot of meme references or throwbacks in the numbers I perform. When I host events, I like to throw on impossibly large outfits and struggle to stay alive in the club."
Chi also aids other performers with their costumes.
When asked how much her outfits cost, Chi simply replied, "Too much."
Chi said she wants to work in drag "as long as my body allows." Eventually, she wants to transition into a career as a creative director or editor for a fashion magazine, or publish one of her own. "I would love to feature conceptual editorials with boundary pushing clothes off the runway with cutting edge models," she said.
Chi said the best part of her job is simple: working alongside her best friends, such as Trannika Rex, Shea Coulee, Valentine Addams, Kahmora Hall and Beverly Lately.
There is a drawback to drag, too. "Wearing six-plus inch heels for long periods of time" is the worst part of the job, she said.
THE STATS
- Age: "The persona of Kim Chi is 16, but on a technical level, I've been existing on this planet for 27 years."
- Neighborhood: Andersonville
- Hobbies: Brunching, thrifting, crafting, biking and creating costumes.
- Relationship status: Single
- Favorite drink: Red Bull: Summer edition
- Favorite movie: Hercules
- Favorite TV show: "I could watch 30 Rock and Community over and over."
- Little-known fact: "I studied origami for several years in Korea. I'm a paper-folding expert."
PHOTOS BY ZAPATA PHOTOGRAPHY, LUCKEYBOI PHOTOGRAPHY AND FIERCEFINDER STUDIO