Her appearance on Season 13 of RuPaul's Drag Race may have been short-lived, but fashion queen Kahmora Hall was just getting started. In the time since, her star has only burned brighter as she's evolved her drag, embraced her culture, and stuck to her bargain bin roots.
Sure, she still does her makeup at a glacial pace — but that's why she always looks so flawless. In our latest instalment of Get Ready With Me, we get to be a fly on the wall of her drag process — lusty lashes, voluptuous hips and all. Ahead, she lets us in on her thrifty ways and gets real about the politics behind the glitz, glamour, and sequin dresses.
You’re a literal fashion icon in the world of drag — we mean, who else would pull out vintage Mugler for a Drag Race mini-challenge? How have you amassed such a stunning wardrobe?
Well, thank you! Despite having a panic attack making it to the runway, it felt really good to walk in front of the judges in one of my vintage pieces. I have a soft spot for retro glamour and vintage couture, and have been collecting those kinds of dresses since I started drag.
A lot of people think I spent a lot of money on these, but the truth is, it’s the total opposite. I’m a very thrifty bitch and I’m proud to say I never had to lose an arm and a leg for that shiny Mackie or Mugler. You just have to be smart in where to look, and have lots of patience. I don’t want to give all my secrets away, but make sure to check out your local thrift stores, eBay, and estate sales!
As a Drag Artist, you often evoke elements of your heritage. How does it feel to share your culture with the world through your artistry?
More than ever, visibility is so important. Walking into Drag Race, I didn’t intend to be an AAPI figure, but I received so many positive messages from queer AAPI folks saying how great it was to see someone like me on their screen. I realized that being on the show meant so much more than just making it onto the show.
When I curate a look or photoshoot, I naturally implement aspects of Vietnamese culture without even thinking about it — it’s just a part of who I am. It’s a great feeling to know that my art is appreciated by people all over the world thanks to social media and to showcase Asian beauty.
How has your drag evolved since appearing on Season 13 of Drag Race?
It’s funny, when I got casted on Season 13 of Drag Race, I truly felt like I was at the top of my game (oh how I was wrong). I've learned so much about myself since the show, and realized there’s always room to grow and to try new things.
I’ve definitely polished-up my drag aesthetic and makeup routine, though I still take an eternity to get ready (okay, maybe some things never change). I told myself I don’t want to be doing the same makeup look months and years after the show.
Fashion aside, you’ve been quoted saying “drag at its core is political.” Why is it important to you to bring the political to the forefront of your drag and online platform?
I think a lot of people get blinded by the "glamorous" side of drag — the parties, the nightlife, and the sequin dresses — and forget that drag started as a political statement. I’m grateful for Drag Race because it gave me a larger platform to discuss issues I’m passionate about.
I’m very vocal about the #StopAsianHate movement. The AAPI community has felt invisible for so long, so it’s so important to me to use my platform to raise awareness about it and to highlight AAPI organizations within my community. Shout-out to Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Haibayo, and Celebrate Argyle (just to name a few)!
Controversial question: if you could only perform one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
100% Pure Love. JK. But if I really have to choose…it would be “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” by Angie Stone. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of my drag mother — Lady Tajma Hall — who I love and miss dearly.