Tell us about your drag name.
I've always loved the name Camille since hearing Prince's "Shockadelica" (one of my favorites), but, ya know, I had to nasty it up a bit and that's how the spelling, Cummeal, came to be. Though 2 show the classier side of me, I wanted something more astute and proper, and having a fascination with British houses and the sorts, Lady just fit like a...glove
Hence Lady Cummeal, classy with a lil bit of nasty.
What would you wear to the Met Gala if the theme was Minneapolis?
OBVIOUSLY, Something Prince inspired. Prince is one of the reasons I moved up to Minneapolis, and for a brief period, I gave tours of Paisley Park around his passing.
To me, Prince epitomizes and embodies all the magic that Minneapolis (and Minnesota) could be. Prince invited an era of freedom of expression to the tenth power. Constantly questioning and exploring themes, topics, and ideas that may or may not have frightened him or confused him. This freedom, for me, is something that heavily inspires how I move through the world as an artist and human.
So to walk the Met Gala carpet, I'd have to pay homage to the OG Purple One and the roots of Minneapolis, by coming in a custom Prince look that is more extravagant than you could ever wonder (made and designed by myself)
What decade influences you and your drag the most? Why?
The ‘80s plays a huge role and is an important influence on my drag and aesthetic. Growing up I was raised on a wide variety of music (from Bach to Tupac and beyond), but the one decade of music that I never grew tired of listening to be the ‘80s. As I watched films, and shows, and explored the intricate history of this decade the more and more my spirit felt at home. The ‘80s for me was a time of excess and exploration, while simultaneously being a decade of some ugly history. Both this beauty of freedom and restriction/ignorance of social standards lived together at once, and from this, blossomed the Ballroom scene. Bloomed the drag scene we know and breathe today. Many modern artists take a lot of inspiration and sound from the ‘80s. The trials and tribulations of the ‘80s, I feel planted a seed for not just continual explorations, but the courage of challenging norms, questioning dated ideals, and still finding room for beauty in the grit.
Moreover, to me, the ‘80s symbolizes everything about my late grandmother, who passed during the height of Covid 19. So, my ‘80s aesthetic and vibe holds all I've said but more importantly is the love letter I never got to give my grandmother.
Who inspired you to perform?
My drag mother Sasha Cassadine. I never thought I’d do Drag in my lifetime. Hell, I didn’t even know what it was until I was about 16/17, and due to my religious upbringing, I was absolutely terrified by the idea of it. I avoided Drag at all costs, up until I needed a spiritual reset which required that I stepped out of my comfort zone. I decided to perform at an open-stage Sasha was hosting. I just wanted to feel free for one night. After I performed, Sasha pulled me aside and asked for my phone number. Low and behold, she took me to dinner and spoke about a future in drag for me that my lil mind never dared imagine.
Since then, she adopted me and has been such a force of inspiration with how hard she works, and how dedicated she is not only to her drag but her drag/gay children and community. She performs 9-12 shows a weekend sometimes, and she gives grace and power to every single audience member. Holding herself to a stature of regality that fits right into my brand and aspirations. Sasha Cassadine is a well-known secret in the Midwest, and I am privileged to be her daughter, she has been such an inspiration that continuously pushes me to achieve beyond what I can even imagine I can be.
Unfortunately, due to the unexpected passing of my Drag Brother, she was left without a personal assistant or confidant, thus I stepped up to fill both roles and have been her second hand ever since. It’s what family does for one another and having this family has changed my world and outlook vastly. Watching the way, she conducts herself, even if she’s on the fringe; the delicacy of her head, the attention to detail in EVERY aspect of her ensemble, and the dedication to her community and audience. It is something well within my reach.
