The runways on RuPaul's Drag Race are one of the most important aspects of the show. If a queen has a bad week in a challenge, they can find redemption by showing their creativity on the runway. The runway remains one of fans' favorite parts of the show (think Brooke Lynn Hytes and Yvie Oddly redeeming themselves with killer outfits and a lipsync to remember).
With hundreds of episodes across several countries, there has been no shortage of interesting runway themes. From unconventional materials challenges to having all the queens wear mermaid tails, the girls up their game every season. Though there are so many amazing runway looks that left the judges speechless, here are the top 10 best runway themes from RuPaul's Drag Race.
Make Dat Money Ball
Many fans feel that RuPaul's Drag Race season 3 was one of the hardest seasons, in large part for having the most design challenges in one season. When you put all of these fierce queens together with fake money to make their gowns out of, you get one of the most impressive runways in Drag Race herstory. The fantastic Manila Luzon won at the end of the episode, but you could argue that any of the queens could have won with these amazing looks.
Bead It!
Though many fans complained about the length and hijinks of season 13, fans agree that the queens did not come to play when it came to their runway looks. This is one of many challenges that center around an object, like the tulle challenge in season 12, but fans were shocked by how many amazing looks came from the category. This theme had the queens getting very creative as Denali shared her love for lamps with the world, Rosé wore Legos, and Symone wowed the crowd as an African warrior goddess.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Fans were not sure what to expect out of the premiere season of Drag Race Holland but soon learned that most of these queens knew how to put together fabulous looks. This was the hardest to choose because all of the queens from Holland were bringing it every week and consistently had runways that amazed the judges and the fans. In episode 4, the theme for the runway was "Shine Bright Like a Diamond," and wow, they delivered.
This category solidified Envy Peru's reign as one of the most stunning drag queens to come out of Drag Race. It also saw Sederginne in a fully red sparkly number pushing a fake baby in a stroller and featured ChelseaBoy stealing the show with amazing makeup. Every one of the queens brought their A-game for the category, and even the weakest link had a beautiful gown.
Mermaid Fantasy
RuPaul's Drag Race always has a way of surprising fans because no one was expecting the queens of season 10 to be fitted into mermaid tails and rolled out onto the main stage in wheelchairs. This "Mermaid Fantasy" runway is one of the most unique ideas from the show, leading to Aquaria's gorgeous, dripping in oil look. It also features Asia O'Hara's creepy fish mask and a pretty in pink look from Miz Cracker. An added bonus to this iconic runway is that it led to two mermaid drag queens, The Vixen and Monique Heart, lip-syncing, and one queen had her wig fly off and a failed cartwheel that fans will never forget (sorry, Monique).
Death Becomes Her
Most of the season 7 Drag Race queens may not be known for their acting prowess, but they sure knew how to turn a look on the runway. One of the most iconic runway themes to come out of the franchise is from the 1992 film Death Becomes Her. This runway gave us the most cinched waist in Drag Race herstory from Violet, pure camp with Katya's sparkly shark attack, and a look from Kennedy fans still cannot figure out. Kennedy describing her look as a crystalized Glamazon who was gutted and set on fire after a "long night of hooking" alone makes this runway so memorable.
Latex Eleganza
When All Stars returned for season 2 after its hiatus, fans could not wait to see more of their favorites (Katya, Alaska, Detox) and catch up with some of the villains from previous seasons (Roxxy, Phi Phi). These queens came back with money and something to prove, which led to some unforgettable runways. In episode 2, "Latex Extravaganza," was a pretty straightforward assignment that led to some gorgeous (and atrocious runways).
Detox devoured the entire runway and proved herself to be quite the fashion queen, while Katya wore a campy synchronized swimmer dress, nose clip and all. Also coming out of this category was Phi Phi's plain bodysuit with rubber duckies as accessories and, as Tatianna would say, choices.
Animal Kingdom
Drag Race Season 6 has been dubbed one of the best in the entire franchise, and it was not just for the acting and comedy challenges. This runway stood out to fans because of the unique concept and how well the queens delivered, from BenDeLaCreme's fly costume and Darienne's elephant to Trinity K. Bonet's glamorous, exotic bird. The look that stays in fans' minds, though, has to be Courtney Act wearing the most she did all season with huge wings spanning nearly the entire length of the mainstage. This remains one of the most iconic looks from the series.
3 Looks in 1
Drag Race Thailand is putting all the other versions of Drag Race to shame with their creativity, especially on its season 1 premiere when they challenged the girls to have not one but two reveals! This is made even more impressive by the fact that they make all of their costumes themselves in the werkroom, and are still able to create these fabulous looks. While reveals are getting more common on Drag Race, these queens were able to put a spin on it that left fans in awe of their talent.
Unconventional Materials
Each season of Drag Race has an unconventional materials challenge. Whether it's garbage, balls of any variety, or lawn furniture, they have done it all. Each design challenge separates the designers from the queen each season who inevitably does not know how to sew, and it is entertaining every time. It is always amazing to see how much these queens are able to do under a time constraint, with Utica making a garment that belongs on a runway immediately (at the same time, LaLa Ri taped some bags to her corset in the now iconic look).
Drag Excellence/Best Drag
At the end of each season, when there are a few queens left, and they are so close they can taste the prize, they have one final chance to show their style. The final category is usually some iteration of drag excellence, one last chance to prove they are the winners and top all of their previous looks. These runways always make fans feel especially poor after seeing the opulent looks. From Jujubee's outstanding look to Symone's beautiful ballgowns and Violet's dress covered in jewels, these looks shock fans every time. Let's hope RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6 brings the same level of fashion to the runway!