Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen and time-travelling fashionista, ready to take you on another dazzling trip through history with my magical, pink, oh-so-fabulous tutu!
February the 2nd, 1923 – a time of roaring twenties glamour! Can you believe it's been nearly a century since this magnificent era? My darling, we need to channel this fabulous energy, because let’s face it, there's simply no better time to don a feather boa and let loose than in the twenties!
I'm on the case, ready to dig deep into this glittery era and spill all the tea about what the drag world looked like way back when, because darling, let's be honest – the past is the ultimate inspiration! I’m about to give you the inside scoop on what kind of shows were in town, what fashion was on trend and why we need to give those glamorous girls their due!
Firstly, my little cherubs, imagine my surprise as I arrived in the midst of the roaring twenties – a vibrant cocktail of cabaret and underground speakeasies! The excitement was intoxicating! You see, those flapper dresses, the bobs and the sparkly glamour, were all the rage! Just imagine strutting into a swanky underground club in a fabulous fringe dress with some of your girls – you simply cannot beat that!
It was absolutely electrifying! Think, my loves, of a vibrant mix of dancing girls, live music, witty patter, and a dash of mischief all rolled into one – think Josephine Baker, think Charlie Chaplin, think Vaudeville – a wild mix that's sure to get your sequins shimmering!
Oh, darling! You have to know that while a lot of "drag" performances were tucked away in these speakeasies, back then they weren't necessarily the grand flamboyant spectacles you see today, but they were the beginning! A woman putting on trousers, or maybe a beard – that was a revolution, my love! It was about defying those strict societal norms, about creating something beautiful and expressive even in the face of social restrictions.
My mission was, of course, to hunt for any whispers of "drag" that the 20s were brewing. I even spotted a "Queen of Speakeasies," a fabulous female impersonator who would shimmy and shimmy in glitzy, sequined gowns while singing songs about the joys of life – **she had everyone's attention! A true embodiment of that liberating era!
The glamour was breathtaking! I just had to share the amazing designs. The bob, the finger waves – what fabulous hairstyles! Not to mention those gorgeous drop earrings and necklaces. Talk about statement pieces! Just think about how it was groundbreaking back then to wear such striking outfits in a world that was so rigid and formal! These girls had chutzpah! They knew how to break those outdated fashion rules and embrace the daring new looks.
Don't think this was limited to a certain class or background, either! While New York's Broadway had lavish shows, smaller communities had their own vibrant drag scenes bubbling away – a hidden jewel within their social fabric, and you bet your bottom dollar I explored every nook and cranny for any whisper of these daring performances!
Fashion was a rebellion! Let's celebrate the trailblazers who brought us to where we are today. The twenties saw a wave of expression – not just on stage, but in every corner of society. I saw an entire town square where women strutted around in dapper, tuxedo-inspired suits, the men sported their fashionable fedoras and, you better believe, some daring fellas even rocked an eyebrow-raising pair of heels!
And yes, even on a chilly February day in 1923, I was there – in my trusty, time-travelling pink tutu – making sure I left my little signature pink feather trail. You're thinking, “Emma, it was a freezing day! You’d have frozen your fanny off!” Well darling, let me tell you, when you’re living your best life, embracing history with a heart full of joy and a splash of pink, there's no room for chill – only warmth, glitter, and the infectious spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
It's all about connecting with our drag heritage. This isn't just a trip down memory lane, darlings. It's about celebrating the brave souls who came before us and fought to express themselves, to showcase their talents, and to share their art with the world.
But don't just take my word for it! I’m always on the hunt for more historical drag treasures and I love getting feedback! Tell me, darling, do you love drag history? What kind of 1920s performances would you like to see in a modern day club? Did you try a bit of twenties style fashion for your own drag routine?
If you fancy travelling through time in your own dazzling fashion, come say hello over on the website – www.pink-tutu.com, and leave a comment!
And, remember, don’t be afraid to step into a new era of fabulousness. Grab that tutu, let your inner diva roar, and paint the town pink!
Much love,
Emma xxx
