This past weekend, a corner of New York City was packed with people in elaborately-styled ensembles. There was glitter, sequins, feathers, head-turning make-up, and more than a few outside-the-box outfits that some would describe as fabulous — and others would just find ridiculous.
Yes, all of these things are true of New York Fashion Week — but this September, a different fashion-focused event stole it’s thunder: RuPaul’s DragCon came to New York City, bringing hundreds of drag queens together to dress up, perform, and celebrate the culture.
The two-day convention took place at the Javits Center from September 9 to the 10, and entertained attendees with parties, vendors, star-studded panels, and — of course — an appearance or two by RuPaul.
Fabulous: RuPaul’s DragCon came to New York City for the first time this weekend
So much fun: Hundreds of people turned up in fun make-up, costumes, and full drag
Muppets in drag: Some people turned up in full costumes, masks and all
Party! The event launched in LA in 2015 as an extension of RuPaul’s Drag Race
Lots to do: The event included panels, shopping, parties, and photo ops
Big crowd: The event spanned over two days and was held at the enormous Javits Centers
RuPaul (pictured) was on hand to kick off the event and stuck around for the party
The convention first debuted in Los Angeles in 2015, but came to New York for the first time this weekend. The huge convention featured meet-and-greets, shopping, and plenty of photo ops.
‘RuPaul’s DragCon provides a platform for fans — of all ages and backgrounds s to meet and interact with world-renowned celebrities and icons in a creative, friendly and accessible environment,’ the event’s host explained.
Randy Barbato, the co-director and producer of World of Wonder Entertainment (which is behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race TV show and the convention), said coming to New York this year was a treat.
‘It’s like coming home for a lot of us,’ he told AM New York. ‘Drag has such a rich tradition in New York. It’s been our inspiration for the past 20 years.’
RuPaul added: ‘What made New York so fabulous was this incredible tapestry of different cultures, but the one thing we had in common was our openness and our open hearts.’
Attendees showed up in their most fabulous attire, from glamorous eveningwear to avant-garde costumes. There were amateurs thereto have a bit of fun, as well as a long list of professions — including countless former contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Fashion forward! This was the first time that the event was held in New York City, and it fell during New York Fashion Week
Different: While some of the costumes were glamorous, others were more odd and avant-garde
Look, don’t touch! This queen’s spiky costume ensured people wouldn’t bump into her
Popular: RuPaul’s Drag Race has been running for nine seasons and signed on for a tenth
Background: It started on LogoTV and moved this past season to VH1
Glitzy: There were plenty of feathers, sequins, and beads in the crowded convention hall
Time-consuming: Some incredible work went into make-up and costumes for the event
Pictured: Bob the Drag Queen wore blue lipstick to match a blue tulle ensemble
Staying current: Some of the costumes took aim at current events, including one that looked like Kellyanne Conway’s Inauguration outfit and another that looked like a drugged woman being dragged by Bill Cosby
A little something for everyone: Some of those dressed up were kids (left), while some of the adults looked like starts (right: Kimora Blac, who bills herself as the ‘Kim K of Drag’, with Taylor Swift BFF Todrick Hall)
In addition to same famous queens like Amanda Lepore, there were plenty of non-queens, too. Famous faces included Younger star Nico Tortorella, designer Isaac Mizrahi, cosmetics mogul Jeffree Star, make-up artist Manny MUA, trans model Carmen Carrera, Drag Race judge Carson Kressley, and fellow judge and dancer (and Taylor Swift BFF) Todrick Hall.
Todrick, interestingly enough, posed for a picture with Kimora Blac, who bills herself as the ‘Kim K of Drag’ — an eyebrow-raising photo op, given that Todrick is good friends with Kardashian nemesis Swift. In the past, he’s spoken out to defend Swift in the feud.
‘In the words of Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” I’ve had my Regina George moments in my life, [but] I think there’s a reason why you would call someone and record them,’ he told People last year.
The drag queens and other stars in attendance weren’t just there to pose for pictures, though — no matter how well they did so.
There were also plenty of panels, including ‘Judge Judies: Behind the Judging Bench’ (which included a talk with the judges of RuPaul’s Drag Race) and ‘Glitter and Be Gay: Broadway Queens’, which featured theater stars.
Packed: In addition to same famous queens like Amanda Lepore, there were plenty of non-queens, too
Celebs: Famous faces included Younger star Nico Tortorella, designer Isaac Mizrahi, cosmetics mogul Jeffree Star, make-up artist Manny MUA, trans model Carmen Carrera (none pictured)
Evil Queens: Because aren’t all Disney villains really just drag queens?
See ya! The convention will head back to Los Angeles next year