Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community
Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community
Perla Talks Drag Race, Fashion, and What’s Next!
She’s petite, she’s polished, and she’s ready to take Windsor by storm! Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 queen Perla dishes on life after the competition, her evolving drag aesthetic, and her upcoming performance at The Barbershop Bar. Read the full interview now!
The Calgary-born queen reflects on life after Canada’s Drag Race, her fashion-forward evolution, and bringing the whiplash to Windsor.
From Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 to the fashion runways, Perla has made a name for herself as a fierce competitor, model, and fashion blogger. Originally from Calgary and now based in Toronto, Perla’s drag combines high fashion with undeniable stage presence. In 2022, she cemented her status as a powerhouse performer by winning the Absolut Empire’s Ball. Now, she’s bringing her signature style and stunning performances to Windsor for an unforgettable Drag Show Extravaganza at The Barbershop Bar. Before she hits the stage, Perla chats with THISisDRAG.com about her Drag Race journey, career highlights, and what fans can expect from her upcoming show.
THISisDrag: You’ve made waves since Canada’s Drag RaceSeason 5. How has life changed for you since being on the show?
Perla: ah! Thank you!!
Honestly I wish I could say everything has changed and things are completely different, but it's definitely still very much in line with how things were before! Yes I get recognized from time to time and I've had some fun opportunities come my way! But I still get to just vibe out at home, play video games, work on outfits/hair and prepare myself for the next opportunity coming my way!
Tho I will say I do feel a lot of pressure to keep things rolling! I'm always shooting new content, working on outfits for photoshoots, keeping up with social media and expanding my brand as much as I can! They really weren't kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.
TiD: You won the 2022 Absolut Empire’s Ball, a major drag competition. How did that experience shape your career?
P: Honestly winning The Empire’s Ball really brought me so much closer to my sisters. Now I get the joys of having Aurora Matrix and Van Goth by my side every step of the way and cheering on all of our triumphs together! And don't forget about our podcast, The Powder Room available on all podcast streaming platforms and the video components up on YouTube!
TiD: Your background in fashion is a huge part of your drag. How do you blend your skills as a model and fashion blogger into your performances?
P: Literally fashion controls me at this point hahaha. I learned quickly that posing and performing work hand in hand. I may not be the best dancer, but I know my body and my angles so well that I can utilize those in each performance!
TiD: You’re bringing your talents to Windsor for The Barbershop Bar’s Drag Show Extravaganza! What can fans expect from your performance?
P: Hopefully y'all are ready to experience the whiplash in person, hahaha
“They really weren’t kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.”
TiD: What’s your favorite part about performing in new cities and meeting different audiences?
P: I love getting to meet people! I get to have conversations with people who got to know me through the show, I get to meet more performers who do what I do! And I get to learn from them as well! I love learning tips and tricks from other performers as much as I love sharing them!
TiD: You’re known for your polished and fashion-forward drag. How would you describe your style today, and has it evolved since Drag Race?
P: I think after Drag Race, I'm very much holding myself to the standard of what I wore on the show. Performance looks are very different than a runway, but for the moments I can, I want to make sure I'm delivering the same level as the looks I wore on the show.
I think that's a true testament to your own brand and your aesthetic. I think it's extremely important to go on Drag Race as yourself. You should feel confident in your looks and how they represent you, which I'd say I definitely did. And now I want to continue to hold myself to that standard because I know I can.
TiD: What’s next for Perla? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?
P: What is next for Perla?! Hahaha I wish I knew! I'm definitely taking all opportunities that come my way and riding the wave as long as I can! I'm excited to continue with some super fun photoshoots, with creating more content with my Powderpuff sisters, and who knows, maybe I'm planning a little hop, skip and a jump over to the UK for some fun shows!
TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?
P: Regardless of the state of the world and the messes happening around us, at the end of the day we are a community. We need to be there for each other, we need to support each other and we need to love each other. Stop focusing on the little things and celebrate the big things. Celebrate ALL community members. Speak up against genocides happening all around us, love your trans friends, support and uplift the people of colour being oppressed. The list goes on. But we can continue to be there for each other and we can continue to fight for each other. Nothing can stop us when we are supporting and uplifting our community as a whole.
It's scary out there, it's depressing, it's hurtful but we always have our friends, our chosen family etc.
So chainsmoke and listen to the Deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine and keep your head held high!
Perla
Saturday, May 10, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario.
Don’t miss Perla LIVE in Windsor! On Saturday, May 10, 2025, The Barbershop Bar will host the Drag Show Extravaganza featuring Perla from Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, alongside Poison, Mae Breast, and hosts Angelina Lepore and Venom Vonsnaps. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:15 PM. Grab your tickets now before they sell out! 💃🎟️ Get tickets here.
Helena Poison: Punk, Poison, and a Whole Lot of Ass
Helena Poison: Punk, Poison, and a Whole Lot of Ass
Helena Poison spills on Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, her signature punk-rock style, and what fans can expect at her upcoming event in Sarnia.
Canada’s Drag Race Finalist Talks Music, Fashion, and What’s Next
Helena Poison rocked the stage on Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, making it all the way to the top four without ever landing in the bottom. Hailing from Toronto, this powerhouse performer blends punk-rock edge with high-fashion drag, and yes—the name is a nod to My Chemical Romance. Now, Helena is bringing her electric energy to Sarnia for a must-see drag event at Refined Fool Brewing Company, hosted by Diversity Ed. With a stellar lineup featuring Poison, Karma Kameleon, Airress, The X Wife, and Molly Kewl, this is one show you don’t want to miss!
THIS is Drag: You made it to the top four of Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 without ever landing in the bottom. What was it like competing at that level, and how do you feel about your journey on the show?
Helena Poison: It was really cool! I feel great about my run on the show. I got to participate in every part of the experience, learned a bunch about myself, and made some lifelong sisters. It’s everything I wanted.
TiD: Your name pays tribute to My Chemical Romance—how has music influenced your drag aesthetic and performances?
HP: Music has always been a huge inspiration since I was a kid. I like to match music to looks and vice versa. Like, who is this girl, and what’s her movie scene soundtrack? Or, what’s a funny song to do while wearing a faux-human skin bikini?
TiD: Since Drag Race, how has your career evolved? Any standout moments or projects you’re especially proud of?
HP: Attending DragCon UK and getting to walk the pink carpet was pretty unforgettable. The folks in the UK really made us all feel very famous and stunning!
“Music has always been a huge inspiration. I like to match music to looks—who is this girl, and what’s her movie scene soundtrack?”
TiD: You’re known for serving both fierce fashion and a punk-rock edge. How would you describe your style today, and how has it evolved over time?
HP: I’m always shifting and adjusting my style. Lately, I’ve been leaning hard into the weirdo alt school-girl vibe. But at its heart, my style is always a mix of fantasy, grunge, and fetish.
TiD: You’ll be in Sarnia for an incredible show at Refined Fool Brewing Company! What can fans expect from your performance?
HP: Probably something very demure and mindful—not too much, but enough. You know? Oh, and ass. A lot of ass.
TiD: What’s next for Helena Poison? Any exciting plans or dream gigs on the horizon?
HP: There’s actually lots in the works! A ton of online content is coming, plus some Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 sister collabs, and a podcast—so stay tuned to my socials!
TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?
HP: Keep up with me and all my CDR5 sisters on socials! We’re funny and hot if nothing else. And also, check out my YouTube channel!
🔗 youtube.com/@TheHelenaPoison
Helena Poison Drag Show
Saturday, April 12, 2025
At Refined Fool Brewing Company in Sarnia, Ontario.
Catch Helena Poison live in Sarnia on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Refined Fool Brewing Company! Presented by Diversity Ed. and hosted by Poison and Karma Kameleon, with performances by Airress, The X Wife, Molly Kewl, and the queen herself, Helena Poison. Don’t miss this night of high-energy drag—grab your tickets now on Eventbrite and get ready for an unforgettable show!
Arrietty: The Fantasy Queen Takes Flight
Arrietty: The Fantasy Queen Takes Flight
Arrietty talks about life on Drag Race Season 17, her love for fantasy-inspired fashion, and what fans can expect at her upcoming event in Ann Arbor.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 star talks sci-fi influences, designing her own looks, and what’s next
Arrietty has been casting a spell on audiences as a standout competitor on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17. Originally from California and now based in Seattle, this fantasy-obsessed queen brings a futuristic elf aesthetic to the stage, crafting her own intricate looks that blend sci-fi, fantasy, and high fashion. As the drag daughter of Drag Race alum Irene Dubois, Arrietty is proving that creativity, storytelling, and originality are her superpowers. Now, she’s headed to Ann Arbor for a special Drag Race viewing party at Necto, featuring a Q&A and live performances!
THIS is DRAG: Competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 has put you in the spotlight. How has the experience shaped you as a performer?
Arrietty: The show has given me such a unique insight into being a performer. I now ponder many ideas on how to showcase Arrietty while performing.
TiD: Your drag aesthetic is heavily inspired by fantasy and sci-fi. How do you translate those influences into your looks and performances?
A: I like to keep my runways and performances separate. I like to move while I perform, so trying to do so in a gown or something that limits my movements is a no-go. I do like to incorporate themes into my performances, though—such as being a robot or an anime character.
TiD: You design and sew your own outfits, which is no small feat! What’s your creative process like when bringing a new look to life?
A: I design all of my looks (with the exception of a few). I love drawing and painting, so it just made sense for me to do it myself. My friend Sreya is a very talented seamstress and designer, and we collaborate on most of my projects together. She really deserves more recognition for her amazing abilities!
“I love doing viewing parties because it’s a chance to be real and talk shit. It’s gonna be a wild ride—but FUN!”
TiD: You’ll be in Ann Arbor for Necto’s Drag Race viewing party! What can fans expect from this event?
A: This is gonna be EXCITING!!! I love doing viewing parties because it’s a chance to be real and talk shit. I don’t like to hold back my feelings, so it’s gonna be a wild ride—but FUN! Always in good fun!
TiD: How do you feel about getting to connect with audiences in different cities while the season airs?
A: Connecting with different audiences has been the BEST! Don’t get me wrong—I love my regulars in Seattle—but there’s something exciting about performing for fresh eyes! There’s nothing like it. Also, meeting new people? WOW! What a dream.
TiD: What’s next for Arrietty after Drag Race? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?
A: Arrietty is gonna go, go, go! I'm so ready for the next steps—it’s crazy. So many ideas and projects are in the works!
To keep tabs on Arrietty, follow her on all platforms (Instagram, TikTok, and X) at: @arrietty_theelf
Arrietty: Viewing Party and Q&A
Friday, February 21, 2025
At Necto in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Don’t miss Arrietty live at Necto in Ann Arbor on Friday, February 21, 2025! Join the Drag Race Season 17 viewing party, enjoy a special Q&A, and witness her stunning performances in person. Hosted by Necto Pride, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets now and prepare for a night of fantasy, fashion, and fierce drag.