Great Outfits in Fashion History: RuPaul at the 1993 Billboard Music Awards
Photo: Ron Davis/Getty Images
There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.
With a career spanning more than 40 years, RuPaul has built a drag empire, with 15 seasons (and counting) of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and 15 international franchises that celebrate drag around the world. The Queen of Drag has also served countless looks over that time period, from a fiery Bob Mackie dress worn by both Cher and Beyoncé to Zaldy's many extravagant custom creations that have left us begging for more.
At the top of my personal favorites list, though, is the eye-catching silver gown and leather mini dress RU wore to the 1993 Billboard Music Awards, where he won two awards for his single "Supermodel (You Better Work)." This outfit channels the '70s, with the exaggerated pointed sleeves, but still feels planted in the '90s, with the black leather mini dress on top — and, of course, the black choker, featuring a sparkling pendant fit for a queen.
Although RuPaul normally goes for honey hair colors and fuller brows today, this makeup look from the 1993 is perfectly of the era, with vampy lips and thin, arched brows. The platinum blonde hair pulled everything together with supermodel realness. (The bare nails probably would've gotten read on the "Drag Race" runway, though.)
We've rounded up some of our favorite chokers inspired by Ru in the '90s below to help fully unleash your inner glamazon.
Ben-Amun Stone and Pearly Choker Necklace, $295, available here
Yam Highgate Choker, $90, available here
Swarovski Una Choker, $250 $175, available here
Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker, $690, available here
Vanessa Mooney The Holy Heart Choker in Silver, $84, available here
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