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 © 2025 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

Amy Nosferatu Stars in New Scene From Grooby

Amy Nosferatu returns to Grooby for a new solo scene, titled “Amy’s Afternoon.”

Tatiana Steele Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Tatiana Steele stars with her husband Ian and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Ava Amira Stars in 'Yoni' From S3XUS

Ava Amira stars with director Brad Newman in the latest release from S3XUS, titled “Yoni.”

Jonni Darkko Directs New Kianna Dior Showcase

Evil Angel has released Jonni Darkko’s latest showcase, "Kianna Dior Busty Cum Slut 11."

Ricky's Room Premieres Chanell Heart Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the first installment of its Chanell Heart showcase, titled "Booty Like Water."

Girlsway Debuts New Installment of 'Girls Try Anal'

Little Puck and Shay Sights star in the latest installment of Girlsway series "Girls Try Anal," titled "Housewife’s Anal Adultery."

Chelsea Poe Releases 'Reclaimed: Long Live Queer Porn'

Director and performer Chelsea Poe has released her latest feature, titled “Reclaimed: Long Live Queer Porn.”

Aubrey Kate Toplines 'TS Doctor's Office' From TransSensual

Aubrey Kate headlines “TS Doctor’s Office,” the latest title from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Ricky's Room Signs Chanell Heart to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Chanell Heart to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Jonni Darkko Drops Evil Angel Blowbang With Jennifer White

Jennifer White stars in an Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Show More