The Story of DragStylz: How it All Started
Launched on January 1st by graphic designer Derek Gamble-Ernst, DragStylz seeks to fill what he describes as a void in drag apparel.
“Drag is hot right now and the community is exploding!” Derek shared, “The problem, as I see it, is that when it comes to apparel options, there just aren’t many out there, except for the products featuring the RuPaul’s Drag Race Alumni. Don’t get me wrong, I queen out over the big-name performers as much as anyone else and have been blessed to meet a few of them recently. It’s just that as a proud drag husband, there wasn’t anything out there that represented me. The same can be said for other parts of drag like ballroom, kings, trans-performers, etc. I saw this as an opportunity to create a brand to fill this gap, and that is where Dragstylz comes in.”
In just the few months since launching the line, DragStylz has added close to 60 designs and that number continues to grow regularly. Derek says he has taken much of his inspiration from the drag scene in central Pennsylvania during his travels with his husband, who goes by the stage name Jade DeVere.
“You never know what is going to be said in a dressing room,” Derek shared, “and if it strikes me as funny…it is going on a shirt!” Browse through the current selection and you will also find a few familiar logos that have been given a special drag twist. “I love parody. It presents me with the challenge of taking something that people are familiar with and then giving it new life using my sense of humor.
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“My ultimate goal with DragStylz is, first and foremost, to give myself a creative outlet and also create products that are more inclusive for all of the drag community.”
DragStylz has already caught the attention of several previous Drag Race Queens, including Latrice Royale, Joslyn Fox, Alaska 5000, and Monica Beverly Hillz. Now, Dragaholic is proud to announce a partnership with DragStylz to begin offering special editions of designs from their current lineup, but we need your help to decide which ones to feature!
Enter the DragStylz Giveaway
Vote below for your favorite designs and you could win it on a t-shirt! After you vote, fill out the form at the end of this article so we know who to give the prize to if you win. One lucky voter will be randomly selected to receive a shirt of their choice as a special gift from DragStylz! Good luck!
Please note: This contest is limited to residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada who are at least 18 years old. The winner will be selected and notified on May 30, 2015.
Learn more about DragStylz and shop all their sickening apparel at DragStylz.com!
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Derek Gamble-Ernst
Some of DragStylz celebrity customers!