Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire. Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, the one stop shop for all things fabulous and pink! March 3rd, 1920, is the date that has landed me in a whirlwind of dazzling debauchery – can you believe it, darlings? That means we’re on a journey to the Roaring Twenties, a time of roaring fabulousness and flapper dresses! Oh darling, it’s already feeling incredibly glamorous!
You see, a true queen knows her history, darling. Knowing the history of drag allows us to understand the roots of this amazing, ever-evolving art form. That's why I travel through time – so I can experience these vibrant moments firsthand! So buckle your pink belts, lovelies, and join me for a fabulous voyage!
The first stop, as always, is a trip to the theatre, a classic drag queen must-do! It was here in this period where we saw the rise of female impersonators, which, let's be honest, is pretty much the foundation of modern drag, isn’t it? Back then, they weren't called "drag queens" – they were known as “female impersonators”, or perhaps "transvestites" in some cases, oh the scandal! It's a name that really throws me back, a name steeped in the complexities and drama of our queer history! Oh darling, let's be real, how wonderfully scandalous! The thrill of a forbidden pleasure!
Luckily for me, there’s an excellent drag show playing at The Palace Theatre tonight – so I'm getting ready in my sparkling new pink tutu – a classic cut, a real classic. But darling, don’t worry! I know how much you all adore the pink, so I’ve accessorised it with the brightest, pinkest feather boa I could find – just the sort of sparkle a true diva deserves!
I absolutely have to mention the incredible shopping opportunities of the time. While shopping for this feather boa, I stumbled upon a truly dazzling silk chemise – think delicate silk, adorned with sparkling beads, just begging to be worn with my fabulous new pink tutu. It was love at first sight, I tell you. And darling, do you know how excited I am about trying this entire look out at the show tonight?!
My shopping spree did make me realise just how much style influences fashion. From flapper dresses to that alluring, androgynous look so loved by many during this period - the drag performers were at the heart of the fashionable world. They weren't just entertaining, darling, they were leading fashion! I think this is a bit forgotten in drag history now - how big drag is in influencing the general public.
Oh, did I tell you about my amazing room at The Savoy?! This time, darling, I even booked a suite! What a treat! And my goodness, does it ever live up to its reputation – all the old Hollywood charm! And of course, no trip to London in 1920 would be complete without a spot of tea! Luckily, the Savoy's grand tea room was an absolutely delightful sight! Elegant silver teapots, exquisite porcelain cups – and, of course, delicious, freshly-baked cakes! It truly felt like stepping back in time – a time of elegance and glamour!
While the Roaring Twenties might be famous for their glamorous lifestyle, there were still struggles and challenges that existed, especially for drag queens! Imagine, for example, trying to perform in a world where gender-bending performances were frowned upon - or worse - actively persecuted. You truly realise that the freedoms and opportunities we have today, dear queens, haven’t come easily, and they are a tribute to generations of artists who fought tirelessly for acceptance and visibility.
So, while I'm here, I’m taking a little trip to a few of the secret LGBTQ+ spaces – darling, we have to know our history and our roots, after all, these spaces were hidden underground but incredibly important! It is absolutely crucial to celebrate our history – it's why we have the vibrant, open, inclusive drag scene we have today!
Remember, lovelies, every step I take in this incredible pink tutu helps pave the way for more awareness and acceptance of the art form we cherish! Don’t you ever forget that, my dears. So next time you think you’re not fierce enough, or beautiful enough – take a good hard look in the mirror and shout to yourself – “YES, I AM!” Because that, my dear lovelies, is what drag is truly all about!
This has been such a fabulous journey, and my dear dears, we’ve got so much more to see! Now I’m off to explore this city some more! And make sure you’re following my blog every month. I've got a lot more amazing time-travel adventures in store for us. After all, our mission, darlings, is to make sure the entire world wears a pink tutu - and, trust me, the world is ready for a dash of fabulous!
Lots of love,
Emma (xo)
Remember to catch my show this weekend at The Derwent Arms! (Tickets still available - hurry now before they’re gone!)
Follow my blog and visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com.
