This summer RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars hit the road across the U.S. with the contestants of Season 9. On the fifth stop of the tour, Angeria, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel and Vanessa Vanjie, graced the stage, bringing viewers’ favorite looks and moments to San Jose. Throughout the season, Vietnamese American drag queen Plastique Tiara honored her culture through many of her outfits and performances, often collaborating with Vietnamese designers. This particular show on the tour was a special one for Plastique, as her parents were also present in the crowd.
For her solo performance, Plastique Tiara appeared on stage in a yellow outfit which seems to take inspiration from the traditional Vietnamese attire, áo nhật bình. In the Nguyễn Dynasty, this outfit was only worn by women of high social status. The robe color indicates social positions, and pure yellow was worn by empresses and empress dowagers. Showcasing her long draping sleeves, Plastique elegantly performed to a Vietnamese song, “Nửa Vầng Trăng” (Half Moon) by Như Quỳnh. Switching it up, the dancers grabbed both of her sleeves to rip apart the robe and reveal Plastique in a black latex outfit based on Sailor Starlight from Sailor Moon, an anime that deeply influenced the performer growing up. The flashing stage lights made the outfit and music change all the more dramatic. To complete her new look, she loosened her bun to release a long black ponytail with glittering hair tinsel.
Dancing to Thai pop singer LISA’s “Rockstar,” Plastique turned up the heat with strong stage presence and sharp choreography. Throughout the performance, there were clear crowd favorite moments like when Plastique was hoisted into the air on her side while swinging her ponytail and when she laid on top of her dancers rolling onstage. However, the ending of her performance was the true cherry on top when she stood on a rotating platform and leaned backwards as the stage and her Lady Gaga-inspired bra lit up the venue with sparks. Plastique exuded true rockstar energy, and the hollering crowd gave her a standing ovation.
For the runway segment, each performer brought one of their iconic looks, and Plastique Tiara took the stage with the largest and heaviest outfit, yet still looking ethereal. Living her Victoria’s Secret Angel fantasy, she was enveloped in four shimmering golden wings that each spread out to reveal Plastique in a white bikini with gold embellishments. While the wings span 20 feet and weigh 60 pounds, she effortlessly posed and gave the crowd a flirtatious wink and kiss.
For Plastique Tiara, the show spotlighted not only her prowess as a performer, but also her heritage, hobbies, and dreams. Plastique is pushing the boundaries of drag through her creative self-expression, and she certainly was a shining star of the night.