Today we’d like to introduce you to Robby (EmmaSis) Durand.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Name is Robby Durand. I was born in Pasadena California, raised in Albuquerque New Mexico, and have lived in Austin since 2013. I attended a performing arts middle/high school and am a retired ballet dancer. After moving to Austin I started doing drag under the name “EmmaSis”. I rapidly became one of the only designers working for the local drag scene regularly all while being a full time show girl. I have been given so many opportunities to showcase my work on many drag oriented television shows and am proud to still have working pieces out in the world today in the bars. After roughly 10 years of drag I have shifted my focus to more practical work. I recently launched my own website with ready to wear pieces and accessories available for sale as well as still offering custom gowns and fashion to those who seek it. On top of that I am also the full time fashion and costume director for Red Nightfall Dance Theatre, Directed by Dorothy O’Shea Overbey. (@rednightfalldancetheatre) An Austin based dance company with heavy focus on intertwining fashion and dance in interesting and innovative ways. I am proud to say that revisiting my theatre and dance back round in this way has re ignited my passion for design and has allowed me to explore my art in really exciting new avenues. I have also started set design and work for the company leading up to our next show, Nov. 5-7, 2026 at East Side Performing Arts! Thanks so much for reading my story!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unfortunately every artist needs to struggle to advance their art. As a singular name who has never had help with my working business, I am always struggling to find the balance between my work, my life, and my expectations. I have had my work called a “flop dud” on television, which was fun, but have also had wildly successful pieces recognized and appreciated so who am i to truly complain. I love this work and will gladly ride the rollercoaster because being an artist is all i want to be in this world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am extremely proud to have a reputation of consistent and clean work. I am also a stickler for details and cohesion all while being emotionally attached to my work, a fun combo! I can say that anything that leaves my hands truly has my own personal touch, like a dramatic twist in a classic horror film. I love combining elegance and classic shapes with new, current techniques like 3d printing and custom corsetry. Big to small, I love the range that fashion provides and i like to provide that to my clients as well.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I truly hope that if this article comes out before the midterm election 2026 that you go out and VOTE. My community is being villainized for political gain. The LGBTQIA+ community and specifically Trans Women of Color, are being targeted for living an authentic life. I hope anyone reading this, young or old, knows that we are not going anywhere. Queer people have existed since the start of the human race, along side everyone else. There is a life worth living out there. I love my husband and I love my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emmasisdesigns.com
- Instagram: @EmmasisDesigns
