2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Drag artists Opera Tang, Ken Hermanns and Lady Gagita on how fashion impacts their art form
Courtesy of Opera Tang, Ken Hermanns and Lady Gagita
The relationship between drag culture and fashion is a longstanding one. Both are cornerstones for similar destinations: forms of self-expression, rebellious in their own way, and a means of belonging. The drag ball in itself, has always been seen as a stage for subversion, and for each drag artist to bring to the fore their own stylistic individuality when conceiving their queer identities. Esteemed designers such as John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier have been known to borrow direct references from drag culture; the former, with the campy vivaciousness of his designs at Dior during the turn of the century, whilst the latter has famously collaborated with drag artists to challenge the codes of gendered, and politicised clothes.
In return, drag is one that is inextricably linked to fashion. After all, the world of drag is as colourful as its queens—and each artist has their own flair to bring into the game, especially when it comes to costuming or giving their bodies the tools for difference. Closer to home, the drag artists of our zeitgeist each have their own approach to dressing for the art form.
Take Lady Gagita for example, the Filipino drag performer who famously does impersonations of Lady Gaga herself, all the way down to recreating Gaga's iconic dance performances—but also ensuring that the exact outfits of her icons are emulated. There's Ken Hermanns, who might be better known in the local community for her experimental make-up looks, but learning how to hand-make traditional Malay garments from her grandmother as a teenager was her real start in the scene. And then there's Opera Tang, who consistently infuses her drag with a considered sense of heritage and tradition—from literal costumes fashioned after local landmarks or motifs like the Toa Payoh dragon playground costume or our national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Rightfully, they're royals in their own right. To get to know the way fashion has personally impacted some of our favourite regional drag artists this Pride Month, Vogue Singapore speaks to Opera Tang, Ken Hermanns and Lady Gagita about how fashion continues to play a part in the formation of their drag identity, their style icons and how they dream up the outfits for their performances. Courtesy of Ken Hermanns
1 / 3 Ken Hermanns
How would you describe your personal style?
My drag isn't as loud or over-the-top as people might expect from a drag queen, and I like it that way. My personal style leans more relaxed, especially off-stage. Give me a silky, long, straight Naomi Campbell wig and I'll feel right at home; it's become something of a signature. Anyone in the local scene could probably spot my style from a mile away. It's understated, but still striking. That said, I do love to switch it up creatively, so I often elevate my drag with custom pieces I make myself. There's a calmness to my aesthetic, but there's always intention behind it.
When was the first time you conceived fashion as a tool for expression?
Fashion has always been my language. I never went to fashion school or earned a formal degree, everything I know came from my grandmother and the internet. I learned to sew at 14, when my grandma taught me how to hand-make traditional Malay garments and create pattern pieces from scratch. That was the moment I realised clothing could hold meaning and emotion.
Can you share more about how drag has had an impact on your relationship with style today?
Without fashion, I don't think I would've found my confidence in drag. It's the foundation of how I present myself to the world. Drag allowed me to make statements not just for myself, but for others too, and through that, I saw how empowering style can be. Even without formal training, I leaned on what I learned from my grandma and the online community. Fashion gives me control over how I'm seen, and more importantly, how I feel. It's the reason I can walk into a space and feel comfortable, powerful, and completely myself.
Who are your style icons?
Lady Gaga, always. She was my first inspiration and still is. I'm also deeply influenced by Mugler; the shapes, the drama, the precision. I love fashion that makes an impact, that speaks before you even do. Not everyone can pull off those silhouettes, but I know how to make them work for me. I believe in knowing your body, your strengths, and styling them with confidence, whether you learned it in a classroom or in your grandma's sewing room.
How do you come up with a look for your performances?
I take a lot of inspiration from iconic women, Lady Gaga, Nicole Scherzinger, Beyoncé, even Kim Kardashian. They all have such strong visual identities, and I love pulling different elements from their styles. I'm drawn to variety and versatility. Each performance feels like a new runway; I build the look around a mood or message, and that determines the vibe, the structure, the movement. I treat it like a story being told through style.
Do you have any advice for someone who's looking to develop their drag identity?
Experiment, explore, and express. Don't worry about formalities or being 'good enough'. I didn't go to fashion school, but I made my own way, with guidance from my grandmother and a lot of late nights on the internet. You don't need to follow someone else's blueprint. Drag is about celebrating your truth. Be bold in your choices, even if they're simple. Let your identity guide your art, and block out the noise. If it feels real to you, that's all that matters. Courtesy of Opera Tang
2 / 3 Opera Tang
How would you describe your personal style?
Both in drag and out of it, I'd describe my style as proudly and powerfully feminine, with a queer twist. But I'm way more glam in drag of course, and super relaxed in my day-to-day out of drag—my two modes of living my innate feminine fantasy.
When was the first time you conceived fashion as a tool for expression?
It was when I first played with Barbies when I was a little kid—in secret. I loved how Barbie's clothes emphasised the beauty of the feminine silhouette, used pretty fabrics, and when my mum didn't get new clothes for Barbie, my Ah Ma could whip a gorgeous outfit on the spot with the scrap fabrics she had. Most importantly, I could choose colours I wanted Barbie to wear. Flash forward to today, I still get to play dress up—just not with plastic dolls anymore, but on myself. The secret love I had as a kid for Barbie's clothes—perhaps my closest avenue to express how I adored feminine dress—has never faded, and now I celebrate it on stage out loud.
Can you share more about how drag has had an impact on your relationship with style today?
Drag has made me more comfortable with my inherent femininity. It has shown me that my difference should be celebrated and I can confidently and literally wear it proudly. Prior to doing drag, I tried to fit in with what other cis-male or masc-presenting people wore and I thought I was comfortable doing that. But now, drag has liberated me from those restrictive, binary and oppressive notions of men's and women's wear. Instead, I dress how I like because it brings that little kid in me joy.
Would you say you are experimental with your drag style?
Yes and no. I started out with a somewhat clear vision of the kind of aesthetic my drag was going to align with (even if the execution of it was questionable). But I have since pivoted to something more relatable. Yet, the main storyline of my drag has remained the same—a proud queer celebration of culture, tradition and heritage.
How do you come up with a look for your performances?
One of mainly two ways: I get inspired by everyday objects, symbols, motifs. Through this, I have a very clear vision of how a drag look can be created and elevated for the stage. Secondly, I listen to my favourite songs and dig deep into why the song moves me so much, be it its lyrics, composition, emotions. And it reveals a story I want to tell and I create the look from there.
Do you have any advice for someone who's looking to develop their drag identity?
Just get started! You may or may not already know who or what you'll be doing in drag, and you might change your drag style and identity along the way. But the thing is, drag is a journey. It's your journey, so don't be too hard on yourself about developing an identity; the fun in drag is that it's what you make it to be. Be it crunchy, sparkly, cinched, polished, funny…just own it in the moment. Matt Bayhon and Rahm Canlas
3 / 3 Lady Gagita
How would you describe your personal style?
My drag style is heavily influenced by Lady Gaga—bold, unconventional, and unapologetically edgy. I also incorporate elements of camp into some of my looks, especially when I'm not channeling my 'Gaga mode.' While my drag persona leans toward extravagant, larger-than-life fashion, my out-of-drag style is quite the opposite: clean, minimalist, and monochromatic. Think of it as classic 'boy next door' fashion.
When was the first time you conceived fashion as a tool for expression?
I first discovered fashion as a means of self-expression during my early days as a Lady Gaga impersonator. I was deeply inspired by the way Gaga used fashion to make bold statements. As I continued my journey in drag, I came to realize that fashion can also serve a political purpose—it can be a powerful platform for expressing advocacies and sparking conversation.
Can you share more about how drag has had an impact on your relationship with style today?
I believe drag has had a significant influence on my personal style today. When I first started, I had little to no knowledge about fashion. Through drag, I've learned how to mix and match pieces effectively, understand which colours suit me, and figure out what works for my body and what doesn't. It's been a continuous learning journey, drawing inspiration from other drag queens and fashion-forward pop icons.
Who are your style icons?
Lady Gaga is undoubtedly at the top of my list of influences. I'm also inspired by Katy Perry's playful, campy style and Beyoncé's sultry, regal approach to fashion.
How do you come up with a look for your performances?
I always strive to wear the exact outfits of the icons I impersonate, paying attention to everything—from the smallest details to the most recognisable elements. Accuracy is key. More than that, I aim to give the audience a true sense of fantasy—I want them to feel like they're not just watching me, but witnessing the real thing live on stage.
Do you have any advice for someone who's looking to develop their drag identity?
For those just starting out in drag with limited resources, make the most of what you have. Innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness are your greatest tools. Don't chase perfection—focus instead on how to create a polished, high-impact look without spending a fortune. Once you've found your voice and made your mark, the money and resources will follow. Stay true to yourself, and your unique drag identity will naturally emerge.
