Valentina appeared to pay homage to the guest judge on Drag Race México this week in her own special way. She seemingly made a nod to Mabel Canena’s role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with a breathtaking look.
Cadena starred alongside actors of Mexican and Indigenous descent in the blockbuster movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever last November. She played the character of Namora, who was part of the Talokan race and Namor’s right hand and cousin. They were famously blue in the movie due to the transformation their people went through centuries ago. Talokan was inspired by Pre-Columbian Mexico and based upon the Aztec paradise of Tlālōcān.
Over on Drag Race México, Cadena joined Óscar Madrazo and co-hosts Valentina and Lolita Banana on the judging panel this week. And when it came time for the Denim Eleganza Extravaganza, Valentina stepped onto the runway covered in blue makeup that appeared to be inspired by the Talokanil. She also wore a feathery blue gown that beautifully complemented her amazing transformation and felt like a callback to the headdress Namora wore.
A week ago, a viewer on Twitter clocked Valentina’s apparent homage to Cadena from the teaser of the episode.
Now that Drag Race México viewers got to see Valentina’s Talokan-like look in all its blue glory, they were blown away.
Over on Twitter, fans gushed about her fashion-forward style. “Valentina’s look for this episode of #DragRaceMexico will be remembered within the Herstory of all #DragRace franchises,” wrote one person in Spanish.
Another person added, “Valentina gotta win an Emmy for these looks this season on Drag Race Mexico!!”
Some other memorable outfits by Valentina on Drag Race México include her tribute to María Félix and her sixties-inspired glam look. Things are really heating up in the competition with Matraka, Cristian Peralta, Gala Varo, Lady Kero, and Regina Voce vying for the title of “Mexico’s Next Drag Superstar.”