Utica Queen Makes History as First RuPaul’s Drag Race Star on Project Runway

Ethan Mundt, known globally as drag performer Utica Queen, has broken new ground in reality television. The RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 standout recently became a finalist on Project Runway season 21. This marks the first time a queen from the Drag Race franchise has competed on the iconic fashion design show.

Mundt’s casting signals a significant crossover moment for both series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mundt saw the opportunity as a chance to showcase the design talent within the drag community on a prestigious new platform.

From Drag Race Bag Ball to Project Runway Finale

Fans remember Utica Queen for her extraordinary design skills on Drag Race. Her iconic sleeping bag gown from the Bag Ball challenge is still widely celebrated. That creative prowess translated directly to the Project Runway workroom, where Mundt won both the premiere and finale challenges.

His journey was not without its unique pressures. Mundt acknowledged the weight of representing drag artists to a new audience and panel of judges. He aimed to prove that a queen’s design vision could stand on its own merit, beyond the expectations of reality TV fame.

A Queer Triumph in a Challenging Climate

Season 21’s finale featured an entirely queer top three, a powerful statement in the current political landscape. Mundt reflected on the importance of this visibility, stating that queer people rising to the top through art is a necessary message. He described the achievement as a defiant and fabulous moment for the community.

The experience has solidified Mundt’s commitment to his unique, “loud” design aesthetic. Despite some critiques that his work was “too draggy,” he leaves the competition more confident. He plans to continue pushing creative boundaries in the fashion world without restraint.

Utica Queen’s appearance on Project Runway has opened doors for greater drag representation in mainstream fashion television. This historic crossover proves that drag artistry is a powerful and legitimate force in the design world.

Dropping this nugget your way

Was Utica Queen approached for Project Runway?

Yes. Mundt was approached by the show but still went through the full casting process. He completed psych evaluations and interviews like every other contestant before being officially cast.

How did other contestants react to a Drag Race star?

Mundt felt a sense of camaraderie with other returning designers. He noted that several contestants, including Jesus Estrada and Veejay Floresca, were also on second chances, making it feel like an “all-star season.”

Did Utica consider using drag queens as models?

He did request trans women and drag queens for his finale collection. However, the extremely short five-day preparation time made it logistically difficult to execute the intricate drag looks he envisioned.

Why did she appear in drag only once on the show?

Production asked Mundt to appear as Utica for one challenge. After his character received direct critique from the judges, he chose not to appear in drag again, preferring the focus to remain solely on his clothing designs.

Will this affect a return to Drag Race All Stars?

Mundt is absolutely open to returning for All Stars in the future. He wants to let his Project Runway journey “cook” first but sees no conflict in eventually going back to the Drag Race stage.

What is next for Utica Queen’s career?

He plans to continue both designing and performing as Utica. Mundt expressed interest in other fashion competition shows, potentially even as a judge or model for Project Runway in the future.