RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17: The Best Runway Looks From Each Category
- Maria Lombana
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a major event that fashion lovers around the world tune in to watch each year. For those unfamiliar with Drag Race, it is a reality competition show hosted by distinguished drag queen, RuPaul Charles, in which 14-16 queens compete in a variety of design, acting, comedy, and dance challenges to be crowned “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” In addition to these challenges, each week, the queens must present a runway look that aligns with the chosen theme. The winner of the competition must demonstrate their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent across all aspects of the show. As of this writing, season 17 is well underway, with 10 episodes released and just seven queens remaining.
The show brings together queens with vastly different styles, creating a dynamic fashion showcase that continues to shape the industry. Drag culture has profoundly influenced mainstream fashion by introducing elements of extravagance, avant-garde aesthetics, and bold self-expression. Drag fashion plays with gender fluidity and serves as a form of defiance against rigid gender norms. This has led to a reevaluation of fashion in modern times. Renowned designers like Thierry Mugler, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano are drawing creative inspiration from drag attire.
There are countless ways in which drag influences the fashion industry, but in this article, I want to highlight the best looks from the first five runway categories of Drag Race Season 17:
Masked for a Masked Singer - Jewels Sparkles
The show started off with a straightforward yet promising runway theme, giving each queen the opportunity to make a strong first impression with their drag aesthetic. The task was simple: incorporate a mask into their look. While similar dress silhouettes have appeared on Drag Race before, contestant Jewels Sparkles delivered a presentation that exuded a level of polish I truly appreciate. The oversize of the mask, balanced with the voluminous, flowing train creates a satisfying visual effect. The ornate texture of the corset and gloves, combined with the soft pale blue hue, adds an undeniable elegance to the ensemble. A great way to kick off the list.
Is It Cake? - Lexi Love
In reference to Netflix’s Is It Cake?, this episode’s runway theme was all about showing off your behind! Several queens knocked it out of the park, but this look by contestant Lexi Love is so innovative and stunning. The headpiece included an LED screen showing an error message on a 2000s era TV, adding a nostalgic and unexpected effect. I love how she continued the narrative from her previous runway, where she dressed as MTV’s Moon Man, this time transforming into the television itself. The colors of the bars and tone feel as though they should clash, yet they come together expertly. Lexi certainly left me intrigued about what she would bring next.
Monopulence! - Sam Star
This episode brought us our first of many design challenges of the season. The queens were split into teams and were tasked with designing a look inspired by the colors of Monopoly properties. I appreciate this look not only for its aesthetic, but also for its construction. At first glance, this doesn’t look as though it was single-handedly designed and sewn within the span of 2 days. The combination of elements—the hat, the fan, the bodice, the necklace, and the skirt waist placement—keeps the monochrome design from feeling stale by adding to the look’s depth and visual appeal. Contestant Sam Star certainly knows how to represent her brand on the runway, infusing her southern charm into every detail.
Quilted For Your Pleasure - Crystal Envy
Choosing a favorite runway look for this theme was nearly impossible; so many queens delivered incredible looks. I love this theme in particular because quilting is such a universal domestic technique, and it really makes you wonder about the endless possibilities there are when it comes to garment construction. The standout for me was Crystal Envy’s extravagant dress coat. The combination of rich gold and deep red is breathtaking and instantly commands attention. The full bodysuit underneath (not shown in the picture) adds an extra layer of sophistication. It breathes an air of archival Mugler.
Tickled Pink - Sam Star
Contestant Sam Star makes her second appearance on this list—though controversially so, as this look wasn’t a favorite for many. However, I’m a sucker for maximalism, and this was my personal favorite of the episode. I love the various shades of pink and the eccentric headpiece (you’ll soon notice I have a soft spot for hair and headpieces). The exaggerated flapper aesthetic is fantastic, though I do wish the feathers at the bottom of the corset had been left out. Other than that, I just love pink. You can’t make me choose a shade, and this look has them all!
Edited By: Natalie Diedericks
Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DErVwALTFAH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram @wowpresentspluses — January 11, 2025
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFPGyuqx5gI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram @wowpresentsplusuk — January 24, 2025
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFhL0AEtsvj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram @wowpresentspluses — February 1, 2025
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