Recent papers: The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women
Renée Nicole Gray is a fashion historian, independent costume curator, artist, and fashion designer. Her research focuses on stage and film costumes of the twentieth century, royal dress and the role of fashion in women’s rights movements past and present. Her popular writing includes The Streisand Style Files, which celebrates the unique style of Barbra Streisand while connecting pieces of her wardrobe to the history of clothing and celebrating the many iconic designers who created them.
Renée moved to NYC as a teenager to pursue a career in performing arts and went on to work in multiple film, TV, commercial and theatrical productions. In 2010 she stumbled into a job as a Lady Gaga impersonator. She went on to create the tribute show “The Lady Gaga Experience.” Renée performed at thousands of events internationally and in the U.S. as the world’s leading Lady Gaga lookalike and impersonator before retiring in 2019. It was during this period that Renée discovered her love for costume and fashion design while creating the many costumes for her shows. She has since worked as a costume designer for multiple theatrical productions and has had her designs used in numerous TV productions. In 2018 Renée launched her fashion line “Leap Day Renée.” This has been an incredible success and her unique designs are worn by customers globally. Renée is a member of SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity, Costume Society of America and The Association of Dress Historians.
