Who is Naomi Smalls?

Naomi Smalls, the tall and striking drag queen, has taken the world by storm with her unique style, impeccable fashion sense, fierce performances, and stunning legs. Rising to fame on the hit reality television series, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Naomi Smalls has established herself as an iconic figure in the drag community. In this article, we will delve into Naomi Smalls’ background, her time on Drag Race, and the impact she has made on the world of drag.

Early Life and Entrance into Drag

Naomi Smalls, whose birth name is Davis Heppenstall, was born on September 8, 1993, in Fresno, California. From a young age, Naomi was drawn to fashion and the art of transformation. She developed a deep passion for modeling and high fashion, which would later become key elements of her drag persona.

Naomi Smalls discovered drag while attending college, where she studied fashion design. Embracing her love for performance and fashion, she started experimenting with drag, honing her skills in makeup artistry and runway walks. With her statuesque figure and remarkable sense of style, Naomi Smalls quickly caught the attention of the local drag scene and began performing in clubs and bars. Her name comes from supermodel Naomi Campbell, and the rapper Biggie Smalls, and is considered a high fashion queen.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Journey

In 2016, Naomi Smalls skyrocketed to fame as a contestant on the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race at just 21 years old. Her unique look, inspired by 1990s supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, made her an instant standout among the other queens. Naomi’s long legs, flawless makeup, and fierce fashion choices earned her praise from both the judges and fans.

Throughout the competition, Naomi Smalls consistently delivered memorable performances. Her lip-sync battles showcased her dynamic dance skills and magnetic stage presence. She made it to the final three, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s history. Naomi won one maxi challenge and one mini challenger, overall making it to the top three tying with Kim Chi for runner-up.

Naomi Smalls returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 4 in 2018, solidifying her status as a fan favorite and demonstrating her growth as a performer. She showcased her versatility by successfully navigating acting challenges, comedy sketches, and intricate runway presentations. Though she narrowly missed the All Stars crown by making the top four with one challenge win, her impact on the season was undeniable. At that time, she was only one of two contestants to make runner up between both a normal season, and all stars season, Raven was the first. Naomi is most memorable from All Stars 4 for eliminating Manila Luzon and telling Trinity the Tuck that “Life’s not fair!”.

Fashion and Style Icon

Naomi Smalls is renowned for her distinct fashion sense and impeccable taste. She has become a fashion icon in the drag community, regularly serving up stunning looks that blend high fashion with elements of pop culture and personal flair. Naomi’s ability to conceptualize and execute unique and daring outfits has garnered praise from industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Her runway presentations on RuPaul’s Drag Race were a masterclass in fashion. From intricate gowns to avant-garde creations, Naomi Smalls consistently pushed boundaries and showcased her keen eye for detail. Her ability to transform herself into a walking piece of art earned her comparisons to legendary fashion icons like Rupaul, Tyra Banks, and Grace Jones.

Beyond Drag Race, Naomi Smalls has solidified her status as a fashion-forward queen through collaborations with renowned designers and appearances at prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week. Her contributions to the world of drag fashion continue to inspire a new generation of drag queens to experiment with their own unique styles and interpretations of glamor.

Since All Stars 4, Naomi Smalls has released two songs – Pose, and featured in Manila Luzon’s Go Fish. Since 2019, Naomi has been a recurring cast member at the Flamingo in Las Vegas for the RuPauls Drag Race Live show.

Activism and Influence

Naomi Smalls has utilized her platform to advocate for important causes within the LGBTQ+ community. As an openly gay and biracial queen, she has spoken out against racism and discrimination, using her visibility to promote inclusivity and equality. Naomi’s authenticity, confidence, and resilience have made her a role model for many LGBTQ+ individuals who look to her as a beacon of self-acceptance and empowerment.

In addition, Naomi Smalls has been a prominent supporter of organizations and initiatives that focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. She has used her influence to raise awareness and funds for these causes, recognizing the ongoing need for support within the community.

Summary

Naomi Smalls has carved a unique path in the world of drag with her striking beauty, fashion-forward style, and captivating performances. Rising to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she has become an icon within the drag community and beyond. Naomi’s commitment to fashion, activism, and personal growth has made her a source of inspiration for many aspiring drag queens and LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. As she continues to shine both on and off the stage, Naomi Smalls leaves an indelible legacy as a true fashion and elegance icon in the world of drag.