The figurine of RuPaul Charles in a custom-built dress will mark the first time a waxwork of the actor, singer and reality show judge has appeared at Madame Tussauds London in drag.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race presenter’s long-time collaborator, Zaldy Goco, an Emmy Award-winning designer for her work on the series, created the blue look.
It features R-shaped earrings and a reproduction of Anne Boleyn’s B-initialled pearl necklace.
Zaldy also put in a recreation of royal family order badges, which reference RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, singer Diana Ross and talk show host Oprah Winfrey – who are all regularly talked about on RuPaul’s competition show.
To make sure that everything was right with the outfit, Visage signed off the work at the Baker Street attraction.
She said: “It’s gorgeous. The teeth, the lips, the nails. It’s like I’m at home and with Ru. Fans and guests will love this figure, the artists have made this so beautifully and I see Ru.
“Everything drag stands for – authenticity, being daring and not afraid to be who you truly are – is reflected in this gorgeous figure.
“I also love that I’ve made it on the dress. Zaldy, Ru’s long-time designer, who exclusively made this beautiful dress for Madame Tussauds London, has put me in the favours as one of the most important women in Ru’s life.
“What an honour. I’m so excited for the world to see how gorgeous this is.”
The figure will form part of the waxwork museum’s fashion runway experience, opening as London Fashion Week celebrates 40 years in February.
Waxworks of businesswoman and reality TV star Kendall Jenner, actress Cara Delevingne, fashion designer Victoria Beckham and singer Harry Styles will also be part of the exhibit.
RuPaul has four Madame Tussauds waxworks globally and this is the London attraction’s first drag figure in general, according to the museum.
Zaldy said: “Straight away, my thought process was that it should be in true style to how we produce RuPaul’s outfits for Drag Race.
“I wanted it to be an authentic representation of what Ru wears, to make it this glamorous statement, and make it big.
“Each piece I do with Ru is built for a moment, it’s permanent and resonates with the person.
“This bespoke creation for Madame Tussauds London, for Ru, and for the fashion zone, is full of all the emotions that you feel when working with Ru: fun, joy and happiness.”
Madame Tussauds London’s studio manager, Jo Kinsey says the figure “truly captures RuPaul’s style with a fun play on British royal themes”.
She added: “It feels fitting that the original queen of drag should arrive at the original Madame Tussauds here in London.
“RuPaul stands for being fearlessly fabulous and their culture-defining show, Drag Race, preaches an important message of authenticity, expression and unity to millions of people from all walks of life across the globe.”
The figure will be available for fans to see from February 9 at Madame Tussauds London.
