Since “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” debuted about a decade ago, a global spotlight has been cast on drag queens across the United States, and some of the most influential figures are right here in Atlanta, according to a new report.
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Vulture magazine recently released its ranking of the "Most Powerful Drag Queens in America." To determine the round-up, its reporters reviewed the top 100 performers from"Drag Race" and studied queens all over the country by assessing their social media influence, career longevity, "charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent," the authors wrote. The team also consulted with talent agents, managers and club booking agents to nail down the top 100.
After mulling over the analysis, Vulture highlighted its top 20, and Violet Chachki of Atlanta made the cut at No. 16.
The 26-year-old, whose real name is Jason Dardo, was the season 7 winner of "Drag Race." The name Violet was inspired by Jennifer Tilly's character in the film "Bound," while Chachki is a variant of the Yiddish word tchotchke, which refers to a small object that is decorative rather than functional, according to an interview Chachki gave to Powerdzine.
He is known for his dynamic fashion designs as well as his burlesque performances and aerial work. In 2015, his EP “Gagged” made it to the top 20 on the U.S. “Heatseekers” and “Dance/Electronic” charts. And in 2017, Chachki became the first drag queen to model women’s lingerie in a major campaign for U.K. brand Playful Promises.
The drag performer, who is also known for his burlesque shows, continued to turn heads as he walked the runway to close out Jeremy Scott’s Moschino fall 2018 show at Milan Fashion Week, and again in 2019, when he became the first drag queen to walk the carpet at the Met Gala.
Chachki wasn’t the only Atlanta queen to receive recognition. Trinity K. Bonet was also highlighted. The “Drag Race” alum came in seventh place during the sixth season of the series.
Wondering who took the top spot? That honor went to show’s season six winner Bianca Del Rio, of New York.
Find out how other queens fared by checking out the full list here.
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