Perhaps one of the most anticipated main challenges of RuPaul’s Drag Race is the design challenge episode. Every season the queens are given the task to create a runway look (or two) from scratch, to showcase their creativity and garment construction skills.
While some queens have been known to struggle with the sewing challenges, others flourish and turn out some breathtaking finished looks. Some garments are so polished in fact, that there’s no doubt that the queens behind the creations could be successful on Project Runway.
Brooke Lynn Hytes (Season 11)
Season 11 runner-up Brooke Lynn Hytes snatched the first win of season 11 in episode 1, “Whatcha Unpackin?” In this design challenge, the queens were tasked with creating signature looks from materials belonging to former Drag Race legends such as Alaska, Raja, and Katya.
Brooke Lynn put together an ode to former RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Detox with a skin-tight, latex, bodysuit, complete with a matching headband that made her look like a superhero. The garment was flawless, without a single critique, and was the first look at this queen’s polished, high fashion aesthetic that they would go on to turn out episode after episode.
BenDeLaCreme (Season 6 & All Stars 3)
In season 6, episode “RuPaul’s Big Opening Part 1,” the contestants were tasked with creating looks inspired by TV shows. BenDeLaCreme was assigned The Golden Girls and turned out a look that won the challenge.
DeLa’s conceptual, couture gown hugged every curve of their body. In fact, the construction was so impeccable that it’s difficult to believe that DeLa put it together with hot glue (and desperation) alone. Finished with a striking headpiece, and a cheesecake in hand, this garment was a runway look to remember.
Yvie Oddly (Season 11)
Season 11’s charismatic oddball, Yvie Oddly, showcased their versatility in the design challenge episodes, “Whatcha Unpackin?” and “From Farm To Runway.” Both garments won her praise from the judges, but it was the glamorous, autumnal, Hawaiian look that placed her high in this main challenge.
Having to use organic materials, such as burlap, seeds, and food items in this challenge proved challenging for some of the queens. But with the exquisite construction and beautiful sunset colors, Yvie’s unique and glamorous garment stunned the judges. There’s no doubt that this high fashion look (even if created from miscellaneous items) would win Yvie favor on Project Runway too.
Lineysha Sparx (Season 5)
Lineysha Sparx pulled out all the stops in the season 5 episode “RuPaullywood or Bust” when the queens were tasked with creating a Hollywood-esque garment using items they found while dumpster diving. This wallpaper trash-couture look wowed the panel and landed Lineysha a spot amongst the top queens of the week.
Not only did they completely transform the material, but the construction was on point and the gown screamed glamour. Some fans argue that Lineysha was robbed of the win in this challenge. However, if this flawless design is anything to go by, there’s no doubt that Lineysha could go all the way on Project Runway.
Plastique Tiara (Season 11)
In season 11, Plastique Tiara wowed the judges in both design challenges. In “Whatcha Unpackin?,” they landed amongst the top queens in a Sasha Velour-inspired look, and in “From Farm To Runway,” they won the main challenge in a stunning garment made from feathers, cork, bark, and dry flowers.
Not only did Plastique transform the farm materials to suit their high-fashion aesthetic, but they completely owned the runway and won the approval of all the judges. It’s clear that Plastique is no stranger to garment construction, and her skills would definitely set her apart on Project Runway.
Violet Chachki (Season 7)
In season 7, winner Violet Chachki stole not only gained the attention of the judges in the episode “Born Naked,” but they also won the second design challenge in the episode “Hello, Kitty Girls!,” when the queens were tasked to create Hello-Kitty inspired runway looks.
Known for their high-fashion aesthetic and polished looks, it’s no surprise that Violet never landed in the bottom two. Even when covered in Hello Kitty materials in one of the best ball challenge outfits on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Violet stood apart from the other contestants who just couldn’t match her ingenuity. Along with her immaculate garment construction, this queen has everything when it comes to designing for the runway: creativity, skill, and unwavering confidence.
Shea Couleé (Season 9 & All Stars 5)
Shea Couleé is a queen very well known for their runway looks and walks. In season 9, Shea placed safe in the first design challenge but upped their game in the episode “Gayest Ball Ever” when tasked to create eleganza looks with specific themes and materials.
Shea’s construction-worker-couture and cape of deconstructed flannel shirts floored the judges, and it’s easy to see why. The construction of the cape alone was impeccable, with not a stitch out of place. This wasn’t the first time that Shea showcased their amazing design skills, but it was arguably the most memorable. This queen definitely has the potential to go far on design-based shows like Project Runway.
Aquaria (Season 10)
Similarly to Shea in season 9, one of New York City’s most iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race queens Aquaria ended up safe in the first design challenge of season 10 but later secured a rare third win in the ball episode, “The Last Ball On Earth”, when tasked to create Martian couture.
Not only did Aquaria serve three show-stopping looks in one episode alone (winning the challenge), but her garment construction was flawless all season long. This queen knows how to construct for their body, and wears each look on the runway with such confidence. If Aquaria ever fancied a career in fashion design as well as performing, she’d undoubtedly go far.
Manila Luzon (Season 3 & All Stars 1 & 4)
Manila Luzon is a queen to be reckoned with. From season 3 to All Stars 1 and 4, this iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race Midwest queen has been turning out show-stopping creations for years. Fans will remember their Christmas garment made from thrifted materials in the season 3 episode “The Queen Who Mopped Xmas”; the carrot cake creation in “Face, Face, Face of Cakes”; and their dazzling money dress in the ball episode, “Money Ball”, to name only a few.
There’s no doubt that Manila knows how to construct for their body. They have the creativity and talent to pull off extravagant looks, and the experience to ensure they’re polished to perfection. This queen could give any Project Runway contestant a run for their money.
Raja (Season 3)
Raja won their season of RuPaul’s Drag Race back in 2011, over ten years ago, and is still considered by many to be the ultimate queen of looks. Season 3 was heavy on design challenges, and Raja turned it out in every single one – proving both her design and sewing skills.
One outfit in particular that will go down in Drag Race design history is the Evening Gown Eleganza money dress. Not only did Raja completely transform the materials (hundreds of colored fake bills) into a glamorous, high-fashion gown, but the garment was constructed to perfection. There’s no doubt that this innovative, creative, and polished queen could snatch the prize on Project Runway with looks like this one.
