Darling dears! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu wearing, time-traveling, drag-obsessed blogger from the hills of Derbyshire, and welcome to my monthly chronicle of fabulousness! This time, we’re stepping back in time to December 12th, 1921. Can you even believe it? The Roaring Twenties, darling! Imagine: flappers, jazz, and just the faintest hint of Prohibition-fueled mischief. I just had to don my most dazzling pink tutu and hop into my trusty time-traveling tulle for a peek at the drag scene. And, oh, what a whirlwind it was!
From Ballroom to VaudevilleNow, you all know how much I love my drag shows, right? And, oh honey, the scene in the Twenties was all about variety and flamboyance! Vaudeville, with its diverse range of acts, was the queen bee of entertainment back then. We’re talking jugglers, comedians, singers, dancers, and of course, DRAG! The stars of the stage were captivating, a riot of feathers, sequins, and theatrical charisma. I can just picture these magnificent queens performing in elaborate costumes and leaving the audience in fits of laughter and wonder.
Imagine: a scene filled with flamboyant drag queens doing all sorts of spectacular acts. A queen dressed as a dapper gentleman does a hilarious stand-up routine, a larger than life drag king rocks the audience with his captivating stage presence and a queen channeling the era’s most glamorous movie star makes audiences swoon with her elegant, feminine looks! These are the kind of iconic performances I’d want to be a part of! And let's not forget those ballroom nights, where the dancers embraced freedom and expressed themselves in their stunning costumes. The music, the dance moves, the infectious energy - it was a scene straight out of a decadent movie. I can practically hear the jazz tunes and feel the rhythm in my little pink-tutu-ed heart.
The Rise of Drag on Stage and ScreenBack in 1921, the lines between drag and theatre were blurred, my loves! Actors playing opposite genders were nothing new, but drag as a performance genre was certainly making waves! The drag kings were bold and unapologetic, embodying those “rough around the edges” charming chaps. The queens were all about embracing femininity and making those flapper styles come alive with their captivating theatrical flare. Just imagine the amazing costumes - flapper dresses, glittering jewelry, feathered headbands, and some fabulous make-up - the quintessential Roaring Twenties glamour!
Speaking of glamour, I can’t forget about the rise of Hollywood, which was quickly becoming a hub for entertainment! Film stars like Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino were all the rage, captivating audiences with their stylish characters. Now, I can imagine a drag scene in Hollywood right now, filled with impersonators bringing these iconic figures to life on stage! The dazzling sequins, the dazzling dance numbers - just pure movie magic, darling!
Fashion Inspiration: Flappers, Feather Boas & Sparkling JewelsOf course, I have to talk about the fashion, darling! The 1920s was a time of incredible change. It was the decade when women finally had the chance to embrace a new style, one that embraced the freedom and spirit of the times. We’re talking about flapper dresses with dropped waists, knee-length hems, and those gorgeous beaded fringes, oh darling! Imagine: sparkly sequin gowns with long feather boas cascading over those fabulous flapper dresses. A look like that would send those flapper hearts into a tizzy!
And then there was the jewellery, darling! Long pearl necklaces, sparkling rhinestones, dazzling bracelets - they were like a symphony of shine! All that exquisite jewellery adorned with exquisite feathers would look divine on any of you darlings! Remember, a little bit of shimmer and shine goes a long way. So get that shimmer, girl, and let’s get those looks on!
Embracing The Drag EvolutionHere in Derbyshire, my own little pink-tutu haven, I'm proud of the incredible journey drag has taken. From those early stages, to the incredible movement that exists today, drag has become a powerful art form of expression. It’s a chance to embrace the best of who we are, push boundaries, and celebrate diversity! And isn't that what it's all about? So, darling, let’s take this journey together, embrace those fabulous outfits, those glittery looks, and let the sparkle of our own creativity shine brightly through those pink tutus!
Oh, and speaking of that, have you checked out the new collection on my website? I’ve just launched a selection of those sparkly sequin tutus inspired by my little trip to 1921. I have to admit, those vintage styles truly inspire! And don't forget, darling, you don't have to time travel to have fun! Keep the world pink and fabulous, darling! Love you lots, and see you next time.
Your dear Emma,
www.pink-tutu.com