Koktail’s resident Drag Race superfans put their heads together for some serious business

So you’re not over Drag Race UK Versus The World? Neither are we. Especially since—SPOILER ALERT—our Pangina Heals’ time on the show was cut unjustly short. Still fervently obsessed with the creativity that she brought to the competition, we decided to revisit each of Pangina’s major looks on the show (including those that didn’t get to see stage) and rank them. It took a gruelling five whole minutes of mathematical calculations, intellectual debates, and butting heads, but ultimately we settled on a final ranking. Here it is, from least favorite to most, along with our commentary. 

10/10 Ball – Butch Queen

Mika: This looks like a case of too many ideas on the board but no one bothering to check back with the integrity of the prompt. 

Vichayuth: She said on the runway that she correlates “butch” to “hunting” and “queen” to literally the Queen of England, but this category is a ball scene staple and we were a bit confused by the interpretation. See Mo Heart for an example of nailing the assignment.

9/10 Promo Look

Mika: I think I have more of an issue with the theme here than what Pangina came up with for it. I didn’t really love any of the contestants’ metallic superhero-esque looks for the promo. 

Vichayuth: Agreed. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t represent half of what she can do.

8/10 Ball – You Wear It Well

Mika: First of all, it’s amazing that Pan Pan can create something from scratch on the show that’s better than some queens’ pre-planned looks. He definitely made it werk for his body, but that said, I won’t be thinking about this dress after I finish typing this.

Vichayuth: The prompt was to make a “RuPaul” style garment. Lovely construction and style, but it just doesn’t look like something RuPaul would wear.

7/10 Luck be a Lady

Mika: This is a fun look that served its purpose and had interactive parts to it, but from a fashion standpoint, I found it a bit too clunky and busy for my liking. But hey, the judges seemed to love it.  

Vichayuth: It’s campy and the Las Vegas reference is very clear, but I think it’s a little too literal and just looks like a huge slot machine has been stuck to her.

6/10 Werk of Art

Mika: I’m actually a little partial to this look and personally ranked it higher because the posing and the silhouette, especially the pant legs, reminds me of David Bowie. I do think Pangina would have definitely won the week with this look had she not been eliminated already by this point. However, I can agree that there are other looks here that are more in the spirit of drag and perhaps more Pangina.

Vichayuth: I can see the Thai temple art references, but one of the major references she mentioned is Schiaparelli, which I don’t really see much of. I feel there are a lot of references worked into the look, but it could have done with fewer but clearer ones.

5/10 Finale Look

Mika: The baby ballerina in me is squealing at this golden tutu-ed bodice look. Though, from a drag perspective, I feel like Queen Elizabeth is a little overdone, even with the Thai twists added on.   

Vichayuth: References to Queen Elizabeth were made on the show as early as season 3, and as another one was made on Drag Race Canada just this year, I agree that it does feel a little bit overdone. However, this in-your-face clash of Pangina’s home culture and the host country’s culture is a smart move, and the garment is very well tailored as always.

4/10 Entrance Look (Bui Simon Homage)

Mika: If you don’t know the reference, you’re only getting half the story with this look. Here, Pangina pays tribute to both the pageant world of drag as well as mainstream beauty pageants, embodying Thailand’s iconic 1988 Miss Universe winner, Bui Simon. As an entrance look, it was a good teaser for the uniqueness and Thai sentimentality Pangina would bring to the show. 

Vichayuth: She’s serving camp, pageantry, and her culture all at the same time. What a way to introduce your drag to the world stage.

3/10 Dot Dot Dot

Mika: I’m not quite sure why I’ve placed this dotty look here, to be honest. It’s out there and whimsical, and it reminds me of gumballs and paintball simultaneously, if that adds any credence. 

Vichayuth: This look is memorable, camp, and a clear nod to Yayoi Kusama. The colour palette works well together and is carried out to the shoes. Because the headpiece is so striking, it gives the eyes a place to focus even though the garment is visually busy.

2/10 Ball – Kitty Girl

Mika: This is couture. This is immaculate. Almost the best look for me. I love this interpretation of a feline. Imagine if the next Catwoman was this. (The public probably wouldn’t be ready for it.)

Vichayuth: An absolute show stopper, with a reveal. The references are clear. The custom jewellery bold. The length is right. The garment is well-made. Would not change a thing.

1/10 I’m a Winner, Baby

Mika: This is Pangina in her most elevated form. I know she can be a camp and comedy queen at times, but when I think of Pangina, this is what I think of: stunning beauty and absolute eleganza. I also know how much being from Thailand and showcasing Thai drag to the world means to her, so this was a pinnacle moment on the show for sure. 

Vichayuth: This is so representative of Pangina’s drag. Being Thai, we see all the references. The dress, the shawl, and the hair are pulled straight from Thai mythology and culture. It was so well-thought-out and presented so exquisitely. This is how the world will remember Pangina Heals on Drag Race.

Related: A Closer Look at Pangina Heals’ Thai Dress on RuPaul’s