Looking back on the four months of runway looks season 13 gave us.
In the depths of my Hot Girl Pandemic, Miss Ru Paul and her now 18 seasons of “Drag Race” became my latest obsession. Or as my sweet, misinformed mother calls it, Ragu Roadshow.
If you’re not familiar with “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” think Project Runway meets American Idol meets America’s Got Talent. Drag Queens from around the country - and world, now that there are UK, Canada, Australia, and other international versions of the show - audition to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. The best of the best queens are chosen to compete in a number of challenges including sewing, acting, improv, dancing, and lip sync battles.
After binge-watching twelve regular seasons and five seasons of “Drag Race: All Stars,” I settled in to watch my first season of Drag Race in real-time. And what an experience season 13 was, for more reasons than COVID-19.
“Drag Race” season 13 began on January 1, 2021, and wrapped up on April 23 after 11 years. This season polarized the fandom between those who thought it was the most talent-filled season yet and those who just wanted it to end. Love it or hate it, season 13 gave us some of the best and worst fashions the "Drag Race" runway has ever seen.
THE BAD
First, because it’s funnier.
LalaRi’s Bag Ball Eleganza
Episode: The Bag Ball
Let's start with the unavoidable: If you watched season 13 at all, or came across a "Drag Race" meme in the past few months, you know I have to talk about it.
Lord, bitch. My mouth dropped when Lala walked out in this.
Once upon a time, back in season 5, Santino Rice said Alyssa Edwards had the worst dress in "Drag Race" herstory. If only he knew.
It’s...not even a piece of fabric.
Kandy Muse’s Beast Couture
Episode: Pop Goes The Queens
Is it fashion? Ehhh. Is it iconic? Absolutely. That's drag.
Elliot’s Fascinating Fascinator
Episode: The Snatch Game
The left leg of this looks like those cursed pants we all wore in 2007.
Rose's Makeover Look (By Tina Burner)
Episode: Freaky Friday Queens
Does it even matter what the rest of the outfit was?
Tina Burner's Bag Ball Eleganza Episode: The Bag Ball
Remember Ronald McDonald? This is him now.
I know I’ve read Tina twice now. I am, in fact, a Tina STAN.
But bestie what is this.
THE GOOD
Like, really good.
Utica Queen’s Bag Ball Eleganza
Episode: The Bag Ball
Just for reference, Utica made this in the same amount of time Lala Ri put bags on her body.
GottMik’s Finale Look
Episode: Grand Finale
I think about this dress at night. I see it when I close my eyes. How am I ever supposed to dig through TJ Maxx racks again for a halfway-decent dress when I know this piece of art exists in the same reality.
This dress is on par with Violet Chachki's season 8 finale look.
Arguably one of the best “Drag Race” looks of all time.
Olivia Lux’s Yellow Gorgeous
Episode: Social Media: The Unverified Rusical
Petition for more Olivia Lux in yellow. C’mon Truffula Tree sleeves.
Denali’s Bead It
Episode: The Snatch Game
In the words of Monique Heart, STUNNING.
Rose’s Drag Excellence
Episode: Gettin’ Lucky
Hot take: I lived for all of Rose’s 80’s fashions. This, however, is indisputably IT. Representing your heritage and looking fabulous is always in style. I am in love with this, regardless of the way it triggers Ru Paul saying Lawrence Cheney on a three-hour loop in my brain.
Symone, always.
Episode: All of them
Symone is a look fect’ry. She brought it every. single. time. on the runway.
Long Live the queen.