Tanya McQuoid, the adorably addled millionaire heiress at the heart of HBO’s recent dark comedy series “The White Lotus” is a newly minted camp icon.
The dissipated darling’s pop culture impact is so great that the character, played by actor and New Orleans resident Jennifer Coolidge, was the subject of several Mardi Gras 2023 costumes.
It wasn't the first time Coolidge had a Carnival presence. In 2020 she served as the Krewe of Muses parade’s Honorary Muse, riding in the heel of a two-story shoe float.
Honorary Muse Jennifer Coolidge throws beads from The Shoe float along with over one thousand members of the Krewe of Muses
Now Coolidge has been honored with a special Krewe of Muses decorated shoe that is being sold to the highest bidder to benefit a local charity. The shoe is autographed by the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress.
Hand-decorated high-heeled pumps are a signature of the all-female Muses organization. Members toss the artistic creations from floats during their annual Carnival parade.
According to the auction listing, the “White Lotus” shoe was created by Muses member Lalla Robinson, and “is decoupaged with a William Morris print and gold flake overlay.”
“The design incorporates glitter (of course!), premium trim, a vintage rhinestone chain, and upcycled vintage brass jewelry. Plus a stunning white lotus flower on the top.”
In the second season of "The White Lotus," McQuoid finds herself emotionally adrift until she is befriended by what she calls “some high-end gays." Which explains the phrase’s presence on the shoe.
The Krewe of Coolidge Mardi Gras costuming group imitated Jennifer Coolidge in her role as Tanya McQuoid, who is 'clueless and unaware, just like the rest of us, making her way in the world,' according to krewe leader John Marc Sharpe
As White Lotus fans can attest, associating McQuoid with a high-heeled shoe is deliciously acute, since high heels play a part in an important plot twist.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit CrescentCare, an Elysian Fields Avenue health center affiliated with the NO/AIDS Task Force.
The online bidding at the 32 Auction site concludes at 8 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 24). At this writing, with roughly 12 hours to go, 17 bidders have elevated the value of the shoe to $2,750.
This is a perfect Carnival hangover story.
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