Does Wearing Designer Affect The Credibility Of Drag?

It’s no question that drag queens have been serving looks for decades and now, more than ever before, the dolls have been delving into the world of luxury designer fashion. Continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s next in fashion, queens are giving a masterclass in artistic style and self-expression. Although, in a career that relies on artistic vision and individuality, does wearing pre-made designer clothes affect the credibility of drag?

In recent news, Gottmik has the entire fashion industry clutching their pearls following a recent appearance on Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 when she strutted the runway in a gown referencing Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” The dress comprises of 500,000 crystals in 50 different colors and took over 1000 hours of labor to create, under the capable hands of designer Marco Marco and rhinestone enthusiast “Disco Daddy.” Creating true drag excellence is no easy feat.

This isn’t the first time Gottmik has dipped her toe into the deep end of the luxury fashion pool. Wearing custom Loewe on the drag race runway is definitely one for the books, but not everyone was impressed by the formidable namedrop. Palmasana, a commenter on the look said that “Gottmik’s wealthy connections and big money in her pockets degrades the value of her drag looks … it’s hollow and lacks inspiration.”

The affection for many recent drag looks seems to come from the association with an established brand, rather than the skill of the queen, decreasing the personal angle that Drag Race has so heavily relied on: “Drag used to be about making it yourself or finding a way to have it made with your friends who are also queer artists trying to survive.”

Drag has become substantially mainstream and influential that respected designers are willing to work with queens and express their work within an esteemed queer space. The price tag of a garment shouldn’t decide its worth or quality, especially if the act has the talent to back up the label. We should acknowledge that queens are able to incorporate these newfound relationships into drag culture.