5 Fantastic Vendors You’ll Want to Check Out at This Year’s DragCon L.A.
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RuPaul’s DragCon returns to Los Angeles for a fabulous fourth year this weekend, May 11-13. The Los Angeles Convention Center will once again be prepped for panels, parties, photo opps and much more. With over 200,000 square feet of floor space, thousands of attendees and over 275 participating DragCon vendors (seriously!), it can be overwhelming knowing where to start once you walk in.
To help you narrow down your options, here are five fantastic DragCon vendors you won’t want to pass up this weekend. (And head here to check out our Ultimate Guide to DragCon L.A. Weekend.)
1. Bombie Jander
Bombie Jander describes itself as “the fearless queer warrior that lives inside of each of us.” The brand launched in 2016 and offers an array of items, like handmade streetwear, club wear, dungeon-chic sex wear and much more.
The company is proud of its excellent customer service and “made in the USA” status. Their products have been worn by queer icons like Alan Cumming, Cazwell, Jonny McGovern and others. If you’re turned on by the sleazy, sexual energy of 1970s New York, Bombie Jander is for you.
2. Boy Butter Personal Lubricant
With cheeky packaging and organic ingredients, Boy Butter is a leader in the personal lubricant market. The company, which began in 2003, has a philosophy that its lube should not only last as long as silicone but wash off with water alone. “We guarantee no shame stains!” they say.
Boy Butter Original is an oil-based lubricant containing a blend of coconut oil and organic silicone, while the brand’s line of water-based lube is made in the USA with a patented ingredient called Invisigel. Boy Butter also has a desensitizing line of lube that “numbs the fun parts” with 5% Benzocaine mixed into its creamy texture. And these products are totally edible, washable and safe.
3. Elska Magazine
The bimonthly male magazine Elska takes its name from the Icelandic word for “love.” Each issue of this photography, culture and travel publication is shot in a different city, focusing on local guys as well as stories written by the locals themselves.
The magazine is not celebrity- or fashion-focused. Instead the creators of Elska want to foster an “intimate, diverse and revealing experience.” Music is also important to this independent, artist-run magazine, so a specially curated mixtape is shared with readers via a printed track listing and Spotify QR code.
4. Huntees
West Hollywood brand Huntees is a collaboration of talented artists from around the world. Huntees features an incredible roster of over a dozen artists, including internationally acclaimed designer, illustrator and art director Glen Hanson.
Huntees uses original artwork for its tanks, tees, mugs, phone cases, pillows, tote bags, towels and much more. There are even collections devoted to some of your favorite drag queens, from Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 to Yara Sofia. All items are made-to-order with love.
5. TWUNKTrunks
TWUNKTrunks are whimsical stretch-spandex swim trunks that are perfect for not only beach and pool parties, but also intimate occasions. All of the TWUNKTrunks patterns are unique to the brand, and once they sell out, they might not be restocked.
Design titles include “I Like it Raw,” “Extra Pickle,” “Got Wood,” “Lick Me” and, of course, “Banana Hammock.” Handmade in Zionsville, Indiana, TWUNKTrunks promises that all of its trunks are crafted with love and pride for all walks of life.
Which DragCon vendors are you most excited to hit up? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image by Jeff Eason for Hornet
