Drag out the diva in you with Mumbai's ultimate queer fashion guide

We are celebrating Pride Month by getting top drag artistes to spill the beans on where they scour for fashion finds so that your next makeover is thrifty-cool

You are never left wanting for flair if you are a drag artiste. And now, we’ve got Mumbai’s drag performers to spill the secrets of where they shop from. Whether it’s scanning the local bazaar to find just the right fabric for a custom-made outfit, or street shopping for jewellery, our drag divas know best. But the real kicker? Well, it’s all on a budget, darlings.

Vinni Khemani

It is rare that Vinni doesn’t have some rings on her as she goes about her day. “The rings at Linking Road are to die for. I can’t get enough,” she says.

PIC/ANURAG AHIRE

With an array of dramatic rings available for Rs 300 and up, you can jeuje up your wardrobe with these.  “These rings can go with almost anything, but I usually pair it with casual wear like a pair of jeans and a funky top. 
WHERE: Opposite Croma Mall, Linking Road

Suraj Namboodiri

For drag, Namboodiri buys dresses and simply stitches stones to make the outfit more glam. His go-to spot is the Manish Nagar Shopping Centre, where  you can shop for materials and get a custom-made outfit within a week. It has a few ready-made clothing stores too. For Western outfits, ‘For Her’ (shop no. 21) is a good option. You can get crop tops, midi dresses, and other everyday wear priced anywhere between R350 to R1,200.  
WHERE: Near Gurudwara, Gharkul Society, Four Bungalows

Naaz B aka Emperor Naaz

Naaz B wearing the drag outfit he got from the fabric store. PIC/YASH GOLATKAR

Naaz stole our hearts in his recent performance at The Lalit and was just gorge in his royal blue shimmering saree that he says he got at Hill Road, Bandra. “This performance was big for me and I wanted a particular feel of royalty, and my go-to [spots] are these couple of fabric stores at Hill Road,” he says.

For the best fabrics, head to Anwarallys at Hill Road. PIC/ANURAG AHIRE

Naaz B, who belongs to the house of Hauz of KoHEnur, feels that there is something about custom-made clothes that cannot be replicated in the add-to-cart era. A row of tailors is conveniently located right behind the fabric shops and Naaz B is an avid patron. 
WHERE: Opposite Marks and Spencer, Hill Road, Bandra

Sushant Divgikr aka Rani—Hauz of KoHEnur

Some finds like this dramatic scarf are just precious. PIC/ADITI HARALKAR

For jewellery to wear while performing as Rani KoHEnur or otherwise, Divgikr relies on the stalls along Hill Road. She says stall number 1946 is her favourite. “This guy has the best stuff,” she tells us, when we pay a visit to the stall with her. Among the several faux silver necklace and earring sets, chunky bracelets, and dainty bangles, there’s plenty to choose from. Divgikr loves to buy silver jewellery that is a little off-beat. She picks up white and crimson earrings, an oxidised silver set, a few chunky bracelets, and even a couple of bangles. “I introduced this stall to my non-Indian friends when they were visiting. They loved it; you can’t find this stuff abroad. Now, they too shop from here for their drag shows,” she says. 
WHERE: Next to Dudh Sarita juice stall, outside Elco Market

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