Antonio Auriemma (1893-1955) was a vaudeville performer who used the stage name Francis Renault. Renault was most well known as a female imitator, using cosmetics and an extensive wardrobe to impersonate actresses and other famous women of the time. Renault was also a talented singer and his act included falsetto singing.

Renault performed in Seattle at the Pantages Theatre in January 1927. He was billed as ‘The Original Slave of Fashion’ and his wardrobe was advertised to be worth $50,000 (equivalent to about $865,000 in 2023). This image shows Renault in his dressing room applying makeup in preparation for his performance.

Caption information source: “Francis Renault (1893 – 1955) female mimic.”, retrieved from https://zagria.blogspot.com/2010/08/francis-renault-1893-1955-female-mimic.html#.ZBIPunbMKUn
Caption information source: “Star’s finery is worth $50,000,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 17, 1927, page 9.