Violet Chachki Brings Drag Glamour to Paris's Legendary Crazy Horse Cabaret

Violet Chachki has been captivating audiences worldwide with a high-glam 1950s pin-up look, seamlessly blending the circus and burlesque scenes. This June, the young American artist will bring their mesmerizing act to Paris’s legendary Crazy Horse, setting a new milestone in the illustrious cabaret’s history. 

A Drag Queen Icon at the Crazy Horse When Violet Chachki steps onto the stage of the Crazy Horse, it’s like a fashion drawing come to life. With porcelain skin, ruby-red lips, a long black wig, and finely drawn 1930s-style eyebrows, Chachki’s presence is both sensational and mesmerizing. 

Corseted in a tight black dress, adorned with long opera gloves, and perched on vertiginously high heels, they evoke the allure of Dovima, the celebrated model, and Dita Von Teese, the burlesque legend. Standing at an impressive 1.85 meters without heels, Chachki towers over their inspirations, making a striking impression. 

Nine years after being crowned the “future star of American drag” by RuPaul’s Drag Race, Chachki is set to headline at the Crazy Horse from June 24 to 28. The Crazy Horse, since its opening in 1951, has showcased dancers like Lova Moor and Rosa Fumetto, along with guest stars such as Pamela Anderson, Noémie Lenoir, and Arielle Dombasle. However, Chachki’s appearance marks a first – never before has a biological man performed alongside the Crazy Horse’s emblematic female dancers. 

From Atlanta Gay Bars to Parisian Cabaret Fame How did Jason Dardo, the real name behind Violet Chachki, rise from the obscure gay bars of Atlanta to become one of the most renowned drag queens in the world, sought after by Parisian cabarets and major European fashion houses? 

Dardo’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1992 in the US, Dardo showed an early interest in fashion and drag, creating the persona of Violet Chachki at the end of the 2000s. The name "Violet" was inspired by the dark, sexy character played by Jennifer Tilly in the thriller Bound, as well as by the regal hue of imperial purple. 

The surname "Chachki" came from the American-Yiddish word “tchotchke,” meaning a trinket or bauble. Chachki quickly developed a distinctive style, blending contemporary and retro elements with precise references to Art Deco illustrator Erté, fetish icon Bettie Page, outrageous drag star Divine from John Waters’s movies, and the theatrical runway shows of Thierry Mugler and John Galliano for Dior. 

This unique blend, combined with a love for burlesque and BDSM, set Chachki apart from other Atlanta drag queens. “Unlike some of my colleagues, I’ve never wanted to look like a woman,” Chachki confides, “but rather like the illustration of a woman. 

My aesthetic was very clear in my mind even as a teenager when I would roll a scarf around my head and borrow my mother’s makeup before recording myself on my webcam!” A New Chapter at the Crazy Horse As Violet Chachki takes the stage at the Crazy Horse, they bring with them a rich history of pushing boundaries and redefining drag. 

This performance not only highlights their growth as an artist but also cements their place as a trailblazer in the world of drag and fashion. The Crazy Horse, known for its daring and avant-garde performances, is the perfect venue for Chachki’s bold, glamorous, and boundary-defying act. 

With this performance, Violet Chachki continues to ignite the stage, captivating audiences with their unique blend of high fashion, burlesque, and drag. Their appearance at the Crazy Horse is not just a performance; it’s a testament to their journey and the ever-evolving art of drag.