To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, Vida (Patrick Swayze) Vintage Coat and Dress

original movie costume

This vintage costume was worn by the character Vida portrayed by the actor Patrick Swayze in the 1995 comedic film, “To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.” The costume consists of an original 1920’s evening coat constructed out of silk velvet and gold lame, a 1920’s beaded evening dress, and a velvet 1960’s turban.  

This costume appears notably in the bar scene after Vida wins the New York City “Drag Queen Of The Year “competition. While Vida, Noxeema (Wesley Snipes), and Chi-Chi (John Leguizamo) celebrate at a bar, the group meets with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt (Robin Williams) to exchange airplane tickets to help fund their new travel arrangements. Vida notices a picture of Julie Newmar on the wall and comments on her "statuesque beauty". Vida announces that they should take the picture as a token for their trip, and steals it. 

“To Wong Foo” is a film about three New York City drag queens that travel across the country towards Hollywood for a national drag queen contest. Their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in the small town of Syndersville. The title of the film refers to the autographed picture that Vida carries with them throughout their trip as a token of their journey. This costume comes accompanied by a letter of authenticity.