Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu! This month we're doing a little time-travelling, darling, and I've just sashayed my way back from a simply fabulous trip to November 11th, 1926. I do love a bit of history, and this trip was just positively delightful, particularly for my love of ballet! You know me, a proper ballet-lover. This era was just begging for a good old fashioned pink tutu, honestly.
This time, my pink tutu wasn't quite enough to blend in, so I decided to accessorise with a cloche hat, some pearls, and a dash of scarlet lipstick. Now, before you think Iāve gone mad and taken to wearing all black, just remember that you can still wear black with a hint of pink, like some lovely magenta earrings. Donāt worry my loves, my dedication to pink is unyielding!
The year 1926 saw the beginning of what they called the āflapper eraā, darling, where everything was just so chic! Hemlines were practically up to the knees, all the rage for women. Itās not quite what my drag momma would have done with that era. I'm picturing an incredible black feather boa draped over a shimmery, bright pink cocktail dress with a side slit for a showstopping entrance, honestly! The feather boas back then were wild, my darlings! Just picture a beautiful flapper look with an extra splash of fabulous, and then youāll understand my point, dears.
But darling, even though my Pink Tutu Time Travellerā¢ machine (yes, it's actually called that!) deposited me smack bang in the middle of what could be a drag queenās fashion heaven, the world of drag wasnāt exactly as we know it now. Now donāt you worry, I wouldnāt have it any other way.
I must confess, the drag I encountered wasnāt on a proper stage in 1926. I found my ādragā in the theatres of London! The musical theatre scene was absolutely popping off! You've heard of the legendary, the dazzling, the beautiful Josephine Baker, darling? Well, she was bringing her sassy, vibrant style to London audiences around this time and even if you weren't aware, trust me, she would be making waves, making jaws drop, and bringing on the gasps everywhere she went! If that's not some serious drag queen energy I donāt know what is! The fabulous Josephine Baker wasn't afraid to show off her fabulous costumes and her amazing moves.
You could see her dazzling talent, darling, just with the mention of her name. Everyone was doing her impression, it was a complete craze! She was basically drag royalty. Oh, the glitz!
This, darling, is why you need to add a bit of history into your drag wardrobe inspiration. Itās just, ahem, more glamorous! So much glamour! We see elements of Josephine's style still making an impact today. In modern drag we find that theatrical styling from musical theatre is still in fashion, still on stage. You could see it in the extravagant costumes, and the dramatic dance numbers. Oh! Just imagine! It was the drag of the time!
But darling, the real drag magic of 1926 was in the fact that drag queens of the time, that is to say women, (as they did not call it drag in those days) were the absolute queens of taking fashion by the balls and turning it on its head. Oh honey, Iāve got goosebumps just thinking about it. The fashionistas were fearless, and just a little rebellious, darling, with their flapper dresses, short bobs, and painted lips, it was positively fabulous! And even though I did find my āPink Tutu Time Travellerā¢ Machine" needed an unexpected emergency pit stop back home to top up the magic dust, darling, let's face it: there was really just enough fabulous in the 1920s to set you back about two months, ahem! I love a little drama!
Honestly, my trip was truly eye-opening for how a lot of fashion looks from that era remain a hit on the stage today! Even just in your basic make-up routine, from the scarlet lips to the smudgy eye-shadow, so many staples! Who says the flapper girls were all about those tiny purses? Honey, their makeup and their style was seriously fierce, and I've always felt inspired by that era to use colour and embrace the drama. They really knew how to own the look!
So, hereās a tip my little dears, if you're feeling inspired by your fabulous, sassy, inner flapper and fancy yourself a glamorous look, then you've simply gotta channel your inner queen! It's all about experimenting, embracing different shades, and not taking yourself too seriously. Think about what youād wear to dance the night away in a speakeasy. Be bold. Have some fun. And most importantly, be pink, just a dash, just a touch of pink darling!
Iāll leave you now with that fabulously inspiring thought and of course a little inspiration from that very era! Try throwing on your most fantastic āPink Tutu Time Travellerā¢ā machine (or at least a good old fashioned sparkly tutu! ) and take a little spin around your nearest dance studio! You've got the spirit, my darlings. Now just show it off.
I hope you had fun reading, darling, because I always love creating new posts for you. I love a good history lesson. Let me know your favorite drag queen looks in the comments and tell me all about how youāre getting your glitter on! Stay fierce and Iāll catch you all next month!
Love,
Emma š www.pink-tutu.com
