Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller and chronicler of all things drag! I’m back with another juicy entry from the Pink-Tutu Archives. This month, we’re diving into the glittery depths of 8th August, 1925. Oh darling, hold onto your feather boas, because this one is a real treat!
As you know, my fabulous time machine – my signature pink tutu, gifted to me by the drag queen fairies themselves – whisks me through history, delivering a sprinkle of glitter on every decade. So, grab a glass of something sparkling, get comfy, and let’s travel together!
From the cobbled streets of Derbyshire to the glamorous boulevards of 1925
I found myself in a swirling vortex of feathers, sequins, and Charleston music. Picture it, my dears: 1925, the roaring twenties, flappers with bobbed hair and long cigarette holders, jazz oozing from every street corner, and the smell of excitement hanging thick in the air. Now, you may think this wasn’t a time for drag queens, darling, but you’d be utterly wrong! Drag has always existed, lurking in the shadows, waiting for its moment to shine.
The Wild Side of Drag
This era, my darlings, was a whirlwind of rebellion and societal upheaval, the perfect breeding ground for flamboyant expressions like drag. Think cross-dressing nightclub acts, theatrical performers pushing boundaries, and daring street performers like the “flamboyantly dressed” figures who would often perform in cabarets, challenging social norms.
Parisian Glamour: A glimpse into the nightlife
For a night, I channeled my inner Josephine Baker, her sassy style and captivating performances inspiring a generation. In 1925, Paris, the City of Lights, was also the City of Drag! Cabaret and theatrical drag, a true spectacle of sequins, plumes, and cheeky winks, captivated the Parisian crowds. It was truly a spectacle of fabulousness and freedom!
Behind the Veil: The secret world of drag
While many were afraid to openly embrace drag due to its taboo nature, underground venues hosted these fabulous spectacles. Think intimate nightclubs, private salons, and even the famous Moulin Rouge, all pulsing with the energy of drag performers who were daring to break the mold. It’s a reminder, my darlings, that while drag might not always be in the spotlight, it always perseveres, whispering in the shadows.
My Parisian Shopping Spree:
Before diving into the glittering Parisian nightlife, I of course indulged in a little retail therapy. I found the most gorgeous feather boa in a dusty antique shop, perfect for channeling that 1920s glamour. I snagged a couple of flapper dresses - one with fringe and another with beads, so decadent!
And the Shows, Oh the Shows:
The highlight of the evening, my darlings, was attending a cabaret show! The venue was brimming with smoke, glittery lights, and anticipation. The performers, oh darling, the performers! I was spellbound by their courage, their talent, their sheer ability to enchant and enthrall the crowd. I caught the end of a particularly daring act by a performer who, for their final bow, climbed onto a chandelier – quite the display!
A Final Word on History:
My journey back to 1925 reminds me that drag, at its core, is a rebellion. It's a rejection of limitations and a joyous celebration of self-expression. Though we can’t all hop in a magical pink tutu and travel back in time, darling, let's take inspiration from the brave drag performers of the past and embrace our unique voices. And let's remember that even in a world where pink tutus might have been considered shocking, drag always finds its way to the stage.
Get your Pink Tutu on!
Next time, I'm off to 1940s New York – picture me, honey, rocking a vintage sequin gown with my trusty pink tutu! Until then, my dears, remember, keep your head high, your heart open, and wear your pink tutu with pride. And remember to check back on www.pink-tutu.com every month for another dazzling episode of my drag queen time travel blog!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S: Stay tuned for an exciting new section on the website coming next month - “The Pink Tutu Lookbook!” Expect tips and tricks to recreate those iconic drag styles from every era. Be fabulous, be bold, and remember, it’s always time for a pink tutu!
