Cosmo Discusses Costume Design With Jessica Drake, Brad Armstrong

LOS ANGELES — Cosmopolitan’s style editor Charles Manning spoke with Wicked contract stars Jessica Drake and Brad Armstrong about their lesser known talent of designing costumes for films that privilege skin over cloth.

Armstrong, explains that he was working as male stripper to put himself through college for commercial advertising when he stumbled into design work.

“When I was stripping it was tough to find good costumes. I bought a sewing machine and made my own stuff, and everybody was like ‘Oh, that’s cool!’ and it turned into kind of a lucrative business," Armstrong told Cosmo. "I would make costumes during the day and dance at night, and I was making as much money from the costumes as from the dancing."

‘When I started making movies, the things we wore were so embarrassing,” he continued. “I put some money together to make my own movie, ‘Checkmate,’and I made the costumes for that. The set was a giant chessboard and the actors were all chess pieces.”

Drake joined forces with Armstrong when the two were working on the film “The Collector” together and she began helping him choose clothing for the whole cast. She insists, “I’m the assistant, though. He’s the visionary.”

The couple explains that porn costuming presents a unique set of difficulties, namely that adult budgets pale in comparison to their mainstream equivalents and some high-end designers and costume outlets aren't keen on lending out their pieces for hardcore shoots.     

Then there’s the separate issue of, uh, de-staining rentals. Fortunately, they lucked out and found a sympathetic solution.

“We have a cute little dry cleaner down the street that knows exactly who we are and has our 8x10’s are hanging on the wall of fame,” Armstrong said.

Drake qualifies, “I would like to add that [Armstrong] signed his 8x10, ‘Thanks for getting the stains out.’”

To read the interview in full on Cosmopolitan.com, click here.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Releases 1st Installment of 'Ripe for the Taking'

TeamSkeet has released the first installment of its latest feature, "Ripe for the Taking," starring TeamSkeet March AllStar Scarlett Alexis.

Pineapple Support Taps Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'Brat Tamer'

TeamSkeet has released the first episode of its new series, "Brat Tamer," titled "Three Cheers for Madi," starring Madi Collins.

Bella Rolland Stars in New Gangbang From Blacked Raw

Bella Rolland stars with Jax Slayher, Chocolate Rod and Rocket Powers in a new gangbang from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More