Manila the queen by night, Veon the designer by day
Manila Von Teez by night
Image: Supplied
Queen by night and designer by day, Manila Von Teez dazzles audiences under the spotlight, but when the wigs are set aside and the makeup comes off, Veon Wentzel steps forward - a creative mind constantly sketching, stitching and dreaming up the next bold creation.
Behind the glamour of one of Cape Town’s most celebrated drag performers is a fashion designer whose artistic energy flows seamlessly between stage performance and couture craftsmanship.
Veon Wentzel the designer
Image: Supplied
Cape Town’s drag scene has long been a crucible of creativity and bold expression, and few performers embody that vibrant energy as fully as Manila Von Teez the exhilarating stage persona of designer and artist Veon Wentzel.
Known across South Africa for flamboyant performances, fashion-forward costuming, and a central role on the Showmax reality series Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap, Manila’s story is one of resilience, artistry and joy.
Born Veon Wentzel and raised in Elsies River on the Cape Flats, Manila emerged onto the drag scene more than a decade ago. Over the years, the performer has become a prominent figure in South African drag culture, achieving success in pageantry, television and live performances.
Manila has secured major titles, appeared on national television talent competitions, toured internationally and built a reputation for designing her own elaborate costumes blending performance with fashion in a way that has become her signature.
Veon's Haus of Vjorn designs on the Met stage
Image: Supplied
For Wentzel, however, the creative journey began long before the wigs, sequins and stage lights.
“Fashion found me in matric,” Wentzel recalled.
“I could draw a little and my friends asked me to sketch their ideas on paper so they could take it to their dressmakers and my teacher happened to see this and a week later there was a pamphlet on my desk to study fashion at CPUT. I never thought about studying fashion, but at that moment, I knew I had to.”
That moment sparked a passion that would later evolve into Wentzel designing garments not only for clients but also for Manila’s stage persona. The connection between designer and performer is deeply personal, with early creations forming part of Manila’s first appearances.
“I made a red and white striped jacket that I was sooooo proud of when I appeared in drag for the first time I wore it,” Wentzel said.
Much of Manila Von Teez’s signature style is crafted under Haus of Vjorn, Wentzel’s fashion label. Through the label, bold silhouettes, vibrant colour and theatrical flair are transformed from sketches to fully realised garments.
“Haus of Vjorn allows me to give life to my ideas, whether it’s for the stage or for someone stepping out in something truly unique,” Wentzel said.
The line blurs between costume and couture, anchoring drag firmly within the world of high fashion.
The relationship between fashion and identity remains central to Wentzel’s work. “I feel the soul of my brand is JOY. I find so much happiness in seeing the joy on peoples faces when they see my clothing or step out in it. It's so rewarding.”
Manila’s visibility has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap, which highlights the artistry, challenges and personal journeys of drag performers in the Mother City.
The show has introduced wider audiences to the realities behind drag performance from the creative process and financial investment to the emotional resilience required to sustain a career in entertainment.
Among Wentzel’s proudest professional achievements is the opportunity to create a full collection showcased at a major fashion event.
“It will probably have to be The Met of this year. Creating a collection has been a dream of mine and being able to do it was a real ‘you did that’ moment,” Wentzel says.
Despite reaching significant milestones, Wentzel continues to set new goals, envisioning projects that merge performance art and fashion on an even larger scale.
“I really want to curate my own fashion show but make it a SHOW! Performances combined with fashion,” Wentzel said.
The ambition reflects Manila Von Teez’s unique position within South Africa’s creative industries where drag is not only performance but also storytelling, design and cultural expression. Through bold aesthetics and theatrical flair, Manila challenges traditional perceptions of fashion and performance while celebrating individuality and self-expression.
Wentzel also hopes to inspire emerging creatives, particularly those unsure of how to begin their artistic journeys. The advice offered is direct and passionate.
“Just do it. The more you wait the less time you have created your art. Put in the work and put in the time to teach yourself new techniques. The internet is such a big source of information even huge couture houses are letting you take a glimpse into the making of a collection. If the passion and talent is there then you are only doing yourself a disservice by not doing it.... so again DO IT!”
Today, Manila Von Teez continues to captivate audiences as a dynamic performer while Veon Wentzel builds a growing reputation in fashion design. Through Haus of Vjorn, their creative vision reaches far beyond the stage, representing two sides of the same artistic force one that celebrates authenticity, creativity and the transformative power of art.