Queer Eye heads to the bright lights of Las Vegas this season, kicking off with the vivacious showgirl-turned-seamstress Paula. In “She Was a Showgirl”, the far-off future of “someday” is today as the Fab Five—now joined by interior designer Jeremiah Brent—sweep in to transform Paula’s life. She used to stun on the stage but now works more behind the scenes, taking care of her kids and grandkids, still bringing smiles everywhere she goes. She’s always dreamed of seeing more of the world and showing off what she can do, and the Fab Five work with her to bring that showbiz sparkle into the family-centric life she loves now.
You can tell Paula was born to entertain, connecting with each member of the Fab Five so naturally. Watching her find her updated style with Tan France while collapsing into fits of giggles is a joy. But what’s most poignant about this episode are the conversations about aging gracefully and following your dreams no matter what stage you’re at in life. Paula yearns to try new things like she did when she was younger, she just needs that push to step back out into the world again. And her journey toward embracing the sparkle that was there all along will bring tears to your eyes.
Karamo Brown brings in burlesque legend Dita Von Teese to meet Paula and reaffirm the fact that beauty and sexuality don’t have an age limit. Paula—and indeed, Karamo—have a ball dressing up in some sparkling feathery showgirl costumes, injecting everyone in the room with confidence and pizazz. And back at Paula’s home, Jeremiah’s first interior design transformation is off to a strong start. He brightens Paula’s home with pops of vibrant color to ensure her personality shines through. The designs bring her family life with the showgirl days together to show off every part of who she is, and the result is gorgeous.
So often society and the media correlate beauty with youth; Queer Eye is a champion of showing off how everyone is beautiful and it’s on full display here. Getting to see a woman embrace her fabulous self will give you a rush of confidence too; “She Was a Showgirl” opens Queer Eye S9 with a bang, and we’d expect nothing less from this fabulous show.
P.S. Stay tuned for a Fab Five slumber party to watch the results of their hard work—and for Paula to show off hers!
