We try artist Grayson Perry’s outrageous outfit in London — but how will people react?
There were more than a few raised eyebrows, but also a startling number of people who thought it normal
ECCENTRIC artist Grayson Perry looked a picture in pink when he stepped out in his latest outrageous outfit.
He wore a patterned romper suit, ruff, purple hair and platform shoes at The Royal Academy in London, where he is organising the Summer Exhibition.
The rubber chicken-shaped handbag was also a nice touch.
But what is it really like to go out in public dressed the same way? I headed into London to find out after The Sun’s fashion team transformed a kids’ Paw Patrol bed sheet into my suit and daubed me with glitter.
My ruff was made from a piece of fabric sprayed silver and platform shoes from a charity shop completed the look.
I’m no stranger to taking fashion risks.
I wear loud, checked trousers, patterned shirts and once sported a pair of lime green trainers. I’m also the proud owner of white jeans.
But what would it be like wearing a Grayson-inspired creation? Could I handle the looks I got and comments coming my way? Would I be taken for a potter . . . or potty?
After spending the day in these platforms, I know what it’s like to walk in the artist’s shoes.
Find out below what happened on my colourful day out among the capital’s crowds.
On the tube
I’m not easily embarrassed, but I felt ridiculous going down the escalator to the Jubilee Line.
My spirits weren’t lifted when I got on the train and a woman said with a wink: “You look like a great clown.”
Clown? Grayson once featured in a best-dressed list by men’s fashion bible GQ, so I had big shoes to fill.
The Royal Academy
A gallery employee looked me up and down and knew who I was meant to be.
She said: “The look really suits you but I think Grayson’s shoes are even more daring.”
Outside, Hope Martinez, 82, excitedly took a pic. I was forced to reveal I was not the artist, just a journalist in a bed sheet.
In the park
My feet needed a rest, so I headed to a nearby park to sit in a deckchair.
I became a bit of a tourist attraction and students Kat Padilla, 19, and Padraig Mulholland, 20, from Los Angeles, come over for a chat.
Padraig said: “I like the look. No matter what anyone says, it is definitely different.”
At the supermarket
Feeling peckish, I headed to a Co-op store for some food on the go.
I was turning the heads of shoppers and staff in no time at all.
Suddenly, one of the security guards took one look at my purple wig and glittery make-up and immediately started following me around the store.
Having lunch
Having left the supermarket empty- handed, I still felt a bit hungry.
I made for a Nando’s, expecting an odd look when I asked for a table. But instead I was ushered straight through.
Nobody batted an eyelid – not even when I got up to order a Perry Perry chicken wrap.
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Out and about
I paraded past builders Stefan and Chris in the hope my scarlet lipstick would get a reaction.
It did . . . they laughed and took pictures.
But I blended in with street perform-ers in Piccadilly Circus. Tourist Anna Szilagyi, 27, said: “We’ve seen quite a few weird people in London.” Thanks . . .
In the pub
I needed a drink. Barmaid Magda Gurtowskie, 25, poured me a pint and said my outfit was “cute”.
My feet ached, the romper suit was boiling and my face greasy.
After the looks and comments, I wanted to tear it off and storm through Piccadilly Circus naked.
Not for me, thanks Perry much.
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