‘Drag Race PH’ alum Marina Summers wears Pia blue gown by Albert Andrada

Albert Andrada (in black) with Marina Summers with the gown worn by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach —FACEBOOK

She may not have clinched the crown during the first season of Drag Race Philippines in 2022, but drag artist Marina Summers is ready to conquer the international stage in “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World.”

Marina, whose real name is Adrian Alabado, ranked second in “Drag Race PH”; Precious Paula Nicole won that season. Despite this, Marina was a fan favorite for her quick wit and sleek outfits. After the first season ended in October 2022, fans speculated that she was certain to compete once again in one of the international franchises.

Last weekend, they were proven right with the presentation at DragCon UK of the 11 returning queens for the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World.”

For her promo photo shoot, Marina wore a dramatic gown in a shade of blue that looked too similar to the one worn by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach to be mere coincidence.

Inspiration

Marina’s gown had a deep V-neckline, exaggerated shoulders, sheer and embellished sleeves, and a floor-grazing fishtail hem. It turns out both were by designer Albert Andrada.

“This started way back in November 2022 when (creative director) Ryuji Shiomitsu messaged to ask if I was open to dressing up Marina Summers,” Andrada told Entertainment. “The category was beauty queen, so our inspiration was the iconic blue gown of Pia Wurtzbach.”

That gown may be his most recognizable design, but Andrada has been designing for decades, originally in the Middle East where he first worked in an atelier with an Emirati business partner designing for various clients.

“In 2002, I won Designer of the Year at Swarovski’s Bridal Designer’s Competition Award in Dubai, which led me on a new chapter of my life in the Middle East.”

Marina Summers —FACEBOOK

He was the appointed designer of the ruling family in Fujairah of the United Arab Emirates where he stayed for 10 years, designing gowns and party dresses for the family.

When the opportunity to return to the Philippines presented itself, Andrada took it. “I wanted to try my hand at designing for Filipino women,” he told this writer in an earlier interview.

He has since designed gowns and dresses for many Filipinas, but this is his first time to design for a “Drag Race” contestant.

“I am so happy and excited about this whole thing. I am so impressed with her craft and am confident she can make it. I believe in her! I want to be a [fairy godmother] to our drag divas. There’s something in me that relates to drag queens and that’s a secret to be revealed (laughs)! I hope my blue magic wand will work again this time!”

International franchises

Marina will be competing against contestants from the international franchises of “Drag Race,” including Mayhem Miller (Season 10, All Stars 5) and Scarlet Envy (Season 11, All Stars 6) representing the United States, Arantxa Castilla-La Mancha (“Drag Race España,” Season 1), Choriza May (“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” Season 3), Gothy Kendoll (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 1), Hannah Conda (“RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under,” Season 2), Jonbers Blonde (“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” Season 4), Keta Minaj (“Drag Race Holland,” Season 2), La Grande Dame (“Drag Race France,” Season 1), and Tia Kofi (“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” Season 2).

“RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World” premieres on Feb. 9. INQ