RuPaul, From Punk To Couture

"This gold lame 50's moment made me feel like a movie star from an MGM musical." RuPaul

"My favorite colors are hot pink and orange. I love that the hand-painted leopard spots are to scale with my body. And the way the organza flowed was pure heaven." RuPaul — “My favorite colors are hot pink and orange. I love that the hand-painted leopard spots are to scale with my body. And the way the organza flowed was pure heaven.” RuPaul

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” – RuPaul

Widely recognized as one of the most creative and original fashion mavens in the world, Drag Queen RuPaul is credited with giving Drag the Golden Age it enjoys today. With her hit reality TV series ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ RuPaul is introducing a whole new generation to the glamorous world of Drag. From the archives of Black Chalk, here is an interview with RuPaul.

RuPaul, From Punk To Couture

Justin Howard – Why fashion? What appeals to you about it?

RuPaul – I really like stunning things, vibrant colors and interesting textures. I love how style is a verbal exchange between the fashion designer, the client and the observer. If you are “in style” it says you are presently engaged in the current dialogue.

Justin Howard – Who’s your favorite designer and why?

RuPaul – I love Zaldy. We’ve worked together for the past 23 years and he knows what makes my body rock.

Justin Howard – What was your most luxurious getaway and why?

RuPaul – In 2012 I spent a week in Paris shopping and sightseeing and eating tons of bread.

Justin Howard – What fashion item are you lusting after now and why?

RuPaul – Chorizo beans and rice from Las Cuatro Milpas aka Nati’s 1857 Logan Ave in San Diego. I really have no business eating it because afterward I only crave more.

"This black sequin catsuit has the illusion of having been clawed; it's just so chic and ferocious at the same time. " RuPaul — “This black sequin catsuit has the illusion of having been clawed; it’s just so chic and ferocious at the same time. ” RuPaul

Justin Howard – Do you prefer yourself now or ten years ago and why?

RuPaul – I prefer myself now because yesterday doesn’t exist, tomorrow never comes, there is only today.

Justin Howard – What ’s your favorite ‘Drag’ moment? Why?

RuPaul – I believe my entire life has been lived to revel in “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I love that it has turned into a platform for brave, ingenious geniuses to release themselves into the hearts and minds of individuals around the globe. This is without doubt the golden age of drag.

Justin Howard – What’s your favorite hotel to sleep in when you’re not at home and why?

RuPaul – I love the Les Jardins du Marais in Paris because it felt like I was coming and going from my home rather than a hotel. Plus it had easy access to the Metro and all the attractions.

Justin Howard – What was the best party you attended and why?

RuPaul – It was Diana Ross’ birthday party at her home in the Malibu Colony. We danced, laughed and ate fabulous food. She even had a flavored oxygen bar on the lanai.

Justin Howard – What female star’s closet would you most like to raid and why?

RuPaul – Lupita Nyong’o because she’s absolutely fearless. I love all the vibrant colors and stunning silhouettes.

"I didn't know at the time it would be as the world's most famous drag queen but my cheekbones should have been my first clue." RuPaul — “I didn’t know at the time it would be as the world’s most famous drag queen but my cheekbones should have been my first clue.” RuPaul

Justin Howard – What was your childhood dream when you were little and why?

RuPaul – I always dreamed of being famous. I didn’t know at the time it would be as the world’s most famous drag queen but my cheekbones should have been my first clue.

Justin Howard – Are you affected by any music or artwork actions?

RuPaul – When you glance beneath the surface of drag you can quickly understand that it is puck rock. Drag mocks identity even as at the same time celebrating the colors, good looks, artwork, love and freedom that is the bohemian creed.

Justin Howard – What’s the oldest thing in your closet?

RuPaul – My Bob Mackie winged dress. I grew up idolizing Cher and Bob Mackie was the first stop I made when I hit Hollywood.

Justin Howard – When were you most starstruck and why?

RuPaul – Meeting David Bowie at a dinner party left me gobsmacked. Afterward, I walked down the street and around the corner so that I could scream.

"This white shredded bugle-bead mini-dress paired with white sequined thigh-high boots; it felt like punk rock meets paris couture." RuPaul — “This white shredded bugle-bead mini-dress paired with white sequined thigh-high boots; it felt like punk rock meets paris couture.” RuPaul

Justin Howard – Are there any other areas of entertainment or fashion you want discover or have plans to get into?

RuPaul –I love being inventive and drag has been the vehicle I have used to make music, television, motion pictures and stimulated the pop culture zeitgeist. I sit up for exploring more of that as new media formats emerge.

Justin Howard – What is the absolute best perk about being a drag queen?

RuPaul – Being a drag queen does not modify who you are, it in truth finds out who you are. It Is like exploring the flip side of a coin or the dark side of the moon. There may be more to you than you think that.

Justin Howard – How do you plan people to feel after they see you in drag?

RuPaul – The entire point of drag is to remind people to not take life too seriously. That has been the purpose of drag from witch-doctors to shamans to court jesters; the theory is to remind your upper self that this can be a world of illusion.