RuPaul – The Fashion Icon comes Out of Hiding…

RuPaul is an icon – a true fashion diva both in and out of costume. This “Man of Style” is special because he can work it in drag better than anyone I’ve ever seen, and I can bet the most you've ever seen. He can also look as GQ as ever.

RuPaul is definitely coming out of hiding with his new CD, RuPaul RedHot, which will drop on September 21st. If you thought “Supermodel” was a hot tune, just wait 'til you hear these tracks. It will surely be a hit in nightclubs all over and will catapult RuPaul to the top of his game once again. I was able to catch up with the busy songstress to get the dish on the album, style secrets, and we’ll even return to the height of supermodeldum of the 90s. His encounters have included celebrites such as Elton John, Destiny’s Child and countless others, but Diana Ross had the biggest impact on him...find out why...

MELISSA MAYNARD: According to Ru, how is this album different from your others?

RUPAUL: It’s more personal. It’s more of the man behind the mask. But don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of key-keying and cutting up.

MM: What songs are the most personal to you and why?

R: “Superman” is my declaration of finally being cool with myself no matter what anyone else thinks.

Which song(s) is your favorite(s)?

R: “Coming Out of Hiding” is my favorite because during a writing session with Tom Trujillo, the song just flew through the window and landed on our laps, so I think of it as a gift.

And, what's the "Supermodel" song of this album, “RuPaul Red Hot”?

R: “Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous.” I also covered Frankie Knuckles 1991 hit “Workout”

MM: What was the biggest turning point in your career for you? When did everything change? And, at what point did you realize your life would change forever?

R: The biggest turning point was when I was watching television with my mother and the Supermodel video came on and suddenly we both realized that her prediction of my fame had finally come true.

MM: You have met countless celebrities, including Elton John, Diana Ross, Destiny's Child and Cher, who has had the biggest impact on you and your career?

R: Diana Ross has had the biggest impact because I could so relate to being a brown-skinned girl from the ghetto.

MM: What's a hip tip you do to instantly look more polished for a special event?What are your style secrets?

R: False eyelashes add glamour to any situation. If you don’t know how to apply them, learn it and learn it well.

MM:What type of man are you as far as fashion is concerned? What best describes your look? What’s your signature look? ( Both in and out of costume)!

R: Out of drag I run the gamut of looks from executive realness to hippie chic. In drag I only sport one look: Glamazon.

MM: Who has style to you? - What celebrity male? What celebrity female? What icon?

R: Female: Sharon Stone and Nicole Kidman

Male: Tom Ford

MM: What are some easy tips any man and woman can follow with fashion?

R: Keep it simple.

At the height of the "Supermodel" moment of the 90s - what was your most memorable moment?

R: Watching the faces of Tina Turner, Iman and Madonna gagging over my entrance at the VH1 Fashion Awards.

MM: What are your upcoming plans? What's your next move - for shows, promotion, etc.? Where can we see you next?

R: I’ll be promoting the album, RuPaul Red Hot and doing my nightclub act all over the world.

by Melissa Maynard