Written by: Savannah Bryant 

Photography: Leeann Finke @leeann.finke.photography

Models: Roxanne Rouge

Well-known designers in the fashion industry capture the attention of those looking for new trends; however, most don’t see the drag world and the spell it casts on those who follow. Drag is the art of portraying oneself in anything and everything to be particularly masculine or feminine. This performance allows for those participating to have complete self-expression and creativity through costuming and makeup. The art form has a long history and deep ties to modern culture. RuPaul said it best: “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag.” Nothing is more fabulous than when a queen is in total control of how they want to express themselves.

Over the last few years, the acceptance for both well-known and local drag queens alike has inspired the way we look and dress. Instead of just following trends, the queens encourage people to take their own creativity and do something original and unique. Although this fight for recognition was a wicked one, there is a long history of how it came to be. It can be traced back to Shakespearean theater that only allowed men to perform; female roles were played by the men in the cast dressed as women. The first official drag queen arrived in the 18th century known as Princess Seraphina. In the early 1900s, drag became more about how the individual wanted to be seen, and the queens built up their own community. This set others’ souls on fire to express a different side of themselves through feminine looks, makeup, hair, and acting to create an alternative persona that inspired them. Looking back at history, the process of acceptance can be compared to a body of water. Water flows; rarely, can it be tamed. This relates to the progression of drag queens and how they will continue to break through in the fashion and beauty industry. 

Someone who we have to thank for shining a light on the queens, RuPaul Charles, has become one of the most well-known drag queens in the community. The 1993 song, “Supermodel (You Better Work),” led to the success of her performance career. Her competitive reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” premiered in 2009 and created a platform for other performers to feel included. Since then, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has opened a space for drag expression to be seen, heard, and praised. Fashion is a big emphasis on the show. The queens are given projects to construct and style their own outfits to walk down the runway in. It’s a test of creativity and skill when it comes to creating garments. 

With the popularity of drag progressing, so did its name in fashion. The culture began to shine its light on society. Signs of the influence on design can be seen through queens Gigi Goode and Symone in old Hollywood glamour looks for Moschino’s Fall/Winter 2021 campaign. Another queen, Violet Chachki, starred in Prada’s Fall/Winter 2018 womenswear campaign. Examples like these shifted attention to drag and helped the art form grow in fashion culture. The list of role models and influences continues.

Another big name is Plastique Tiara, who has gained a big following on the app Tik Tok. Her looks have inspired trends such as feathery frocks and sequined gowns. While queens encourage those to find their own personal style and creativity, they can be thanked for starting fashion trends that include dramatic tulle, fur, bold accessories and prints, and very tall heels. Fashion has always influenced drag but more so than ever, drag features looks that have the ability to affect societal change. 

An honorable mention is the trend behind gender ambiguity. This started back in the  70s and fashion exploded with gender-bending takes on form and style. This continues today in popularity on the runway for both men’s and women’s looks. Many designers include accessories and garments that once would have been thought exclusively feminine or masculine on both male and female models of all ages. Another mention is the influence on fashion in pop stars and musicians. This influence pushed the gender-bending agenda on the art form of music videos and the trend behind glam rock.

Many makeup trends that are now popular amongst beauty gurus and makeup fanatics come from the drag community. Cut creases, contouring, and baking are used by drag queens to transform their faces into the characters they are expressing. They also put a lot of work into making their looks stand out and match their outfits or be avant-garde. 

The many trends that beauty gurus use today started within the drag community.

Additionally, drag has impacted the 417 area through Martha’s Vineyard. A local queen, Roxanne Rouge is well known for not just her incredible performances, but her outfits and makeup. She dedicates lots of time and effort to making her looks unique, eye-catching, and cohesive. She can even be caught performing in roller skates which leaves the audience amazed. So, instead of following fashion by the book for the upcoming seasons, catch all the fashion and beauty inspiration at several of the local shows the queens put on daily. Local drag brings a sense of authenticity to their art form. They are known to deliver fresh and new visual concepts to the stage. The more support queens have both in person and online, the more we are able to be inspired by their trends.