More so than most of the queens who have been on the show, you are deeply inspired by haute couture runway fashion. She was going to try drag for the first time, and she asked if I wanted to do it, and I said sure why not. When did you first start experimenting with cosmetics? Playing with makeup is an opportunity to develop a bunch of different looks. Being in drag has opened so many doors for wearing traditionally feminine fashion. I like to incorporate outfits that are inspired by the avant garde runways, things that are cutesy, creative, and poppy. That's the persona I base everything off of. Kim Chi is a live-action anime character who works as a high fashion model. Who do you become as Kim Chi? What does she give you access to that you don't have out of drag? Chicago caught up with her last week, before a performance in Denver. Kim enchanted audiences this season not only with her elaborate looks inspired by designers like John Galliano and Gareth Pugh, but also her sweet vulnerability as she spoke openly about the process of overcoming her personal insecurities, and addressing body shaming and racism in the gay community. But she is already on tour and sharing her unique blend of high-concept fashion, South Korean cultural references, and polished makeup artistry (she currently has more than 373,000 followers on Instagram where her cosmetic genius is on frequent display) with drag enthusiasts all over the country.

Spoiler: Chicago's own Kim Chi didn't take the final victory this season. Picking a pixelated posey and her 8-bit fantasy! #DragRace /HikpD91Ea5 We are all stars.' Ru Girls-queens whose careers were launched from being on the show-have elevated drag into savvy and fantastical brands by releasing music and videos, apparel, makeup, perfume, and global tours. As Ru tweeted last week, 'Your soul is made of stars. The world came to find Kim, the stage persona of 28-year-old Sang-Young Shin , to be even more extraordinary than the fermented cabbage dish from Korea after which she is named.ĭrag Race-which has aired on Logo for the better part of the past decade-is a reality elimination-style competition television program hosted by Supermodel of the World and gender-bending matriarch RuPaul that searches for 'America's Next Drag Superstar.' At the start of this season, one hundred queens have appeared on the show, and time has proven that it's not only the grand prize winners who go on to greatness.

The most recent drag queen to erupt out of Boystown into international stardom is Kim Chi, who was one of the top three finalists on Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race, which wrapped up last week. As drag scenes go, Chicago's is known for its heightened artistry and developed sense of irreverence.

Kimchi drag queen