Top 10 Best RuPaul's Drag Race Design Challenge Looks

#10: Sharon Needles, Post-Apocalyptic Couture

“RuPocalypse Now!”

Season 4’s first main challenge saw the queens designing looks fit for the end of times, with materials looted from "drag queen zombies.” Sharon Needles immediately made her mark on the runway with one of the show’s most memorable presentations ever. With a long distressed gown and ribboned sleeves, this queen’s outfit showed immediate promise. But the ensemble’s ghoulish features, which included open wounds on her face and blood flowing from her mouth, made it truly unforgettable. Guest judge Mike Ruiz praised Sharon's unique approach. And considering she won the challenge, there’s no question that it paid off.

#9: Monique Heart, Drag on a Dime

“10s Across the Board”

Season 10 took viewers back to the show’s very first episode with a rehash of the “Drag on a Dime” challenge. Several queens turned out phenomenal looks. Amongst them were Miz Cracker’s “sad widow” fantasy, and Mayhem Miller’s winning trash bag and latex glove ensemble. But what was arguably the best creation of the day was passed over as safe. Monique Heart’s playing card bustier, skirt, and collar were equal parts fierce, flattering, and impressive. Yet somehow, she didn’t get a critique from the judges. Looking like the Queen of Hearts come to life, she demonstrated impressive design skills while presenting a cohesive and striking theme, which is no small feat. Plus, she made her own plastic hair!

#8: Shea Couleé, Village People Eleganza Extravaganza

“Gayest Ball Ever”

The final category of Season’s 9 Ball challenge paid tribute to the iconic Village People. And Shea dominated the main stage with an absolutely eye-catching ensemble. Boasting a flannel headwrap, a bedazzled construction helmet, and matching boots, this queen took the construction worker archetype to the next level. The true crowning jewel, however, was the downright inspired patchwork cape that acted as a train on the runway. Model and guest judge Joan Smalls actually said that she would wear the look herself, so it’s not hard to understand why Shea won the challenge.

#7: Kim Chi, Autobiographical Eleganza Extravaganza

“RuPaul Book Ball”

Looking like a fierce lioness, Kim Chi dominated the first episode of Season 8 when she channeled the “Hair Extravaganza” challenge from five seasons prior (x-ref). But the queen’s best “do-it-yourself” look on the show was her final creation for the Book Ball. Her outfit represented the colorful culmination of a beautiful floral storyline. But its stunning thematic power aside, the ensemble was also gorgeous to look at. With a headpiece full of dazzling pink petals and a gown made from gently fluttering book pages, this look wasn’t just couture; it was a true work of art. Naturally, this show-stopping presentation helped Kim Chi nab her second well-deserved win of the season.

#6: Roxxxy Andrews, Candy Couture

“Sugar Ball”

For the third look of Season 5’s Sugar Ball, the queens had to make a couture look using candy materials. Alaska won the overall challenge thanks to a spot-on “Super Duper Sweet 16” presentation and a cotton candy fantasy that Bob Mackie loved (x-ref). But the single best showing of the night came from Roxxxy, who crafted an absolutely eye-popping dress from rainbow licorice. While Alaska’s final look was strong, Roxxxy’s dynamic outfit was a feast for the eyes, with strands of candy that effortlessly whipped around her body. The construction was phenomenal, the colors were electric, and the beloved queen had never looked better.

#5: Raja, Million Dollar Evening Gown Eleganza

“Make Dat Money”

Raja made waves on Season 3 of “Drag Race” for consistently bringing it on the runway like no one else. During the Hair Extravaganza challenge, she delivered a simply gorgeous pastel look made from wigs. But this queen really outdid herself when tasked with making an evening gown from dollar bills just two episodes later. With colored tiers, a ruffled halter neckline, and a tiny top hat to boot, the outfit combined elegance, drama, and whimsy. Raja owned the stage with her signature strut, and the result was truly astonishing. Although Manila Luzon ultimately won the challenge, the judges definitely recognized Raja’s greatness. We’d say the rest of her Drag Race journey speaks for itself.

#4: Naomi Smalls, Scarecrow Couture

“Wizards of Drag”

In Season 8’s makeover challenge, each queen had to design matching outfits for herself and one of the stars of “Little Women: L.A.” Each pair was assigned a character from “The Wizard of Oz” to embody, and Naomi made a scarecrow look as chic as it ever has. With a burlap bodice, blue suspenders, and a dramatic gathered skirt made from different fabrics, her interpretation was both on-the-nose and avant-garde. As if that wasn’t impressive enough on its own, the garment also perfectly matched her shoes. There’s no question that Naomi’s homemade dress for the Book Ball was also stunning. But Marc Jacobs himself called her scarecrow look “perfection”, which tells you everything you need to know.

#3: Violet Chachki, Hello Kitty Eleganza

“Hello, Kitty Girls!”

Violet immediately cemented herself as season 7’s fashion queen in the premiere episode. So it wasn’t exactly surprising when this fierce competitor won episode 11’s design-centric challenge. After bringing a stylish companion for Hello Kitty to life on the runway, the queens showcased a refined outfit made with items themed around the character. While Violet slayed both numbers, it’s her eleganza masterpiece that took everybody’s breath away. With her signature snatched waist, a unique silhouette, and a striking furry cage headpiece, she looked absolutely stunning. As much as the ensemble paid homage to the star of the night, it also showed off the creativity and edge that make Violet Chachki a style icon.

#2: Lineysha Sparx, Hollywood Glamor Couture

“RuPaullywood or Bust”

With personalities like Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese, and Alaska competing on season 5 of “Drag Race '', it wasn’t always easy for others to stand out. Lineysha Sparkx, however, deserves credit for always looking incredible on the runway. In the first main challenge, the queens were forced to dumpster dive for red carpet-worthy materials. And Sparx truly excelled. While many queens had creative outfits, they were clearly scavenged. Yet Lineysha’s looked like a high fashion garment. Okay, she did have a shoe on her head — but her gown’s geometric silhouette and asymmetrical fanned neckline were something to behold. Roxxxy Andrews won the challenge, but if you ask us, Lineysha didn’t get her due.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Ra'Jah O'Hara, Blue Ball Bonanza, “The Blue Ball”

The Expert Seamstress Showed off a Sleeved Gown Crafted from Random Blue Materials

Yara Sofia, Fantasy Hair Extravaganza, “RuPaul’s Hair Extravaganza”

Because This “Scorpion Poodle” Is a Thing of Beauty

Nina Flowers, Drag on a Dime, “Drag on a Dime”

This Elegant Queen’s Red Ensemble Won Her the Show’s First Ever Main Challenge

BenDeLaCreme, “Golden Girls” Look, “RuPaul’s Big Opening, Part 1”

This Challenge-Winning Garment Was Infamously Constructed with Hot Glue

Yvie Oddly, Farm to Runway, “From Farm to Runway”

Bouquet, You Stay with This Floral Yet Fiery Look

#1: Utica Queen, Bag Ball Eleganza

“The Bag Ball”

Season 13’s Bag Ball had some incredibly high highs, and some insanely low lows. But Utica definitely didn’t disappoint. She showed off her jaw-dropping sewing and design skills by transforming sleeping bags into truly inventive evening wear. Boasting a dramatic silhouette, a cowl neck, and a train, it was a high-fashion masterpiece with perfectly humble origins. Although Gottmik edged Utica out for the challenge win, the latter queen deserves credit for her limitless creativity. There is no shortage of stunning “Drag Race” fashion moments, but few are as profoundly impressive as this one.