Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller. Today I'm swirling back in time to 7th July, 1928! Can you believe it? Almost a century ago!
You've all been so keen on my journey, sending me suggestions and tips, and the comments have been simply smashing. Remember that amazing time I danced with Marlene Dietrich? She's such a star!
But enough about my adventures for now. It's time to talk 1928 drag.
Before we set off on our time travelling escapade, you must imagine me: a pink satin tutu, glittering with sequins and a dusting of feather boas. I've got a pair of diamanté-studded pumps that click-clack against the cobblestones, and my beehive wig is perfectly preened. This, darlings, is my look! And today we're going on an absolutely bonkers, time-travelling spree to the world of 1928!
Now, imagine my excitement. 1928 - the height of the roaring twenties! Imagine the jazz, the flappers, the glamour. But what about the drag scene? It's the time of "male impersonators", my dears, a term we wouldn't use now. But let's remember it's an important piece of our history.
Imagine, if you will, gentlemen in their finest evening attire, their faces powdered and painted, eyebrows plucked to a fine, delicate point. They were, in effect, drag queens â performing in underground clubs and speakeasies. This was, darling, before the golden age of the drag ball.
Sadly, these incredible artists faced discrimination and hostility, but their spirit was incredible! They embodied the defiant, expressive nature of the roaring twenties, using drag as a form of social commentary and celebration. It was the early beginnings of our drag world today!
Across the Atlantic in 1928
We have to chat about America in 1928. I must confess, I was rather drawn to the energy of the American scene! I hopped right into my time travelling tutu, of course, and made my way to a secret New York speakeasy. This one was run by a rather captivating gentlemen known only as âBoots".
It wasnât just drag in those days - everyone was celebrating an extravagant sense of fashion, art, and freedom! Imagine women dancing with loose, short bobs, pearls, and those dazzling dresses! The ladies at the time loved a little "flapper fashion", all with a a whimsical flair of fringe and loose gowns. I tried a little flapper fashion, darling, with the addition of pink satin, but a 1920s woman would never dream of it! I got so many sideways glances, the ladies even pointed.
Boots' speakeasy was overflowing with jazz music, hidden behind the smoky curtains, It's so full of energy, like a whirlwind of joy, excitement, and that intoxicating blend of forbidden freedom. Oh, darling, to feel that spirit. It reminds me a bit of the late 90s â those amazing ballrooms, like the balls that started everything in NYC, back when ball culture exploded. I guess history repeats itself, right?
The atmosphere at Bootâs place was something else. The place was practically humming with that 20s vibe. There was dancing and chatter, laughter, a sea of glitz and glitter. Even the drinks, darlings! Remember we had Prohibition. So Bootsâ speakeasy was bustling with all sorts of folks whoâd sneakily acquired their cocktails and spirits, trying to avoid the attention of the police. That era of âgood timesâ never looked so glam!
But this, darlings, is all before we get to the main event of my evening - The Drag Show! The âboysâ were dressed as actresses - I saw some absolutely breathtaking replicas of Hollywood stars. And Boots's was known for his fantastic dancers. Oh, they could truly strut, twirl, and glide. They were serving the flapper aesthetic - a little bit sassy, with those long, slinky dresses. Boots himself, a gentleman with an astounding set of pearl earrings, hosted the show. Imagine: the glitter ball in a smoky, dimly lit space â that magical combination of energy and darkness.
My favourite moment was the finale! They pulled out this massive red velvet curtain - it had to be the whole stage! â revealing this stunning ballroom. And there on the stage were these "Boys", a gaggle of them dressed in dazzling feathered headwear, shimmering sequins, with an unbelievable energy. The crowd went wild! I felt this jolt, like an electricity through me! I couldnât help myself. It felt like all of New York had simply melted away. I closed my eyes and swirled like a dervish until all I saw were twirling dancers, dazzling lights, and a cascade of confetti! Oh darling! I was so overwhelmed with a joyous feeling, all I wanted was a tutu just as fantastic as theirs!
Now, onto our next adventure!
Back home in 1928, darling!
Letâs pop back across the pond, darlings, and travel over to good olâ England. Our time travelling pink tutu was pretty knackered from that journey! I spent the day strolling along the cobbles, heading down to my favourite London haunt â the Moulin Rouge, right on Leicester Square. I always tell you, darling, it's not just about the glitter, but those small moments of hidden, delightful drag culture â a tiny little show here, a glamorous gentleman at that pub across the road. You never know what you're going to find in the backstreets of London.
It wasnât a grand drag extravaganza. This was about "gentlemenâ enjoying the fine art of dressing in beautiful attire! Think dapper gentleman with a twinkle in their eyes, maybe wearing a little lip colour, but otherwise nothing too wild. They knew how to blend right in, darlings, they were so discreet. It was more of an underground drag movement. It didnât always involve performances; just individuals who liked to dress up and be seen!
I caught glimpses of these gentlemen - they would simply wander the streets, dressed to impress! Sometimes it was an exquisite suit with just the right hat and gloves; other times it was more of a performance in public - think, a cheeky feather boa!
And for those of you who are curious - a true "Boy" in 1928 had no shame or judgment when it came to making a little statement. Imagine walking down the cobblestones and you might spot a flapper fashion gentleman â just enough make-up, perfectly shaped lips, and maybe just the faintest suggestion of a rouge-tinted cheek. You'll catch them looking right into the shop windows with their perfectly arched eyebrows - Oh darling, how could I resist taking some snap shots on my Polaroid?
This was drag as a hidden element in London, more subtle, more reserved, yet just as captivating. They used their style and poise to add a little bit of flamboyance, a tiny dose of "oh-la-la!" to this quiet English life. Remember, we've come a long way from that quiet, tucked away style to the vibrant explosion of drag culture we have today.
Well, darlings, that's all from me for now! It's time to spin my pink tutu for another round of travels, exploring another date, another decade, another place. Maybe itâll be the vibrant New York scene in 1970s, or the underground cabaret shows in Berlin in the 1930s. I have my time-travelling pink tutu all packed and ready, and my beehive wig is waiting!
Remember to check back next month, darlings. You never know which era Iâll be visiting!
Until then, embrace the joy of self-expression, embrace those flamboyant and delightful styles, and wear your pink tutu with pride!
XOXO,
Emma!
www.pink-tutu.com
