#DragQueenHistory during 1931 02 February

Oh darling, are you ready for a fabulous trip back in time?! This month I’m swirling back to the 2nd of February 1931, a date that might not immediately spring to mind when thinking about drag history, but believe me, honey, there’s some serious glitter-tastic happenings tucked away in the annals of time. And guess who's about to unveil them? That’s right, your girl Emma, fresh off the plane from 1969 where I just finished wowing a packed audience with a killer "Space Age Glam" performance (I think they loved my tin-foil costume – very avant-garde darling! It definitely inspired me to invest in some fabulous vintage space-age sequins!).

Let’s all * twirl and clap our hands in the air * , because I am so ready to shimmy and shake my pink feathers with you lovely lot on this grand adventure! Oh, and before we go I want to remind you that I have some rather spectacularly fabulous pink tutus available on the www.pink-tutu.com website – they are a total steal darlings, just a fraction of the price they would fetch on the drag-tastic markets of 1931, so hurry on down to the shop now, darlings, they’ll be gone faster than a glitter bomb in a windstorm.

The streets of London, darling, were abuzz with sparkle, glamour, and excitement. Even in 1931, people loved their drag entertainment, though they were keeping things under wraps for the most part! Gay clubs and drag shows were springing up in underground and discreet locations – often shrouded in secret behind their speakeasies! The air buzzed with secret societies, illicit gatherings, and underground cabaret shows! In those days, even mentioning the word "drag" out loud would invite a shifty look and whispers – the whispers, though, were always filled with * "Oh, how fascinating," * “I bet I could rock that!” and * *“Oh, I love a bit of cross-dressing.” **

We've got to give it up to these fabulous trailblazers. The boldness, the daring, and the undying love of dressing up! Imagine strutting onto the stage in a feather boa and sparkling sequin dress – what an incredible statement you would be making! Back then it wasn’t about acceptance and equality; it was about creating your own universe, an alternate reality of shimmering spectacle and boundless imagination – that’s what drag is all about, darling. It’s about being uniquely YOU, and about owning your * fierce, gorgeous, dazzling truth. *

And now, darlings, I want you to picture this – let’s just take a walk through the streets of 1930s London! We pass flappers, flapper, fabulous flapper girls – bobbed haircuts, dancing the night away in * Charleston swing * and sequin gowns – they were * the true rebels of the day. * You can even imagine them slipping on some glittery suits and feather boas for a quick dance under the glitzy ball-room disco-balls – a world of vibrant contrasts, sparkling illusions and sheer theatrical drama! It was all so captivating!

My top tip darling would be to head over to the "Cavalier Club." This speakeasy and dance hall on the Isle of Dogs, in east London, was the go-to place for glamour and extravagance. It was * more than just a nightclub, it was an event – filled with glittering performances by talented drag performers who dared to break the barriers and challenge social norms.

Imagine stepping through those velvet curtains into this electrifying cabaret! The * room pulses with music, shimmering chandeliers cast an iridescent light over the dancing bodies, * elegant performers sway across the dance floor in flamboyant and daring costumes – and oh, darling, the * showstoppers are absolutely spectacular! Feather boas, glittering sequins, * slinky dresses, * and sparkling jewellery were in high demand on the stages of 1930s cabaret clubs!

The Cavalier Club, in the roaring Twenties and Thirties, attracted a mixture of those embracing a bolder new era, from those seeking * a brief escape from their daily lives * to the * open-minded, progressive thinkers who embraced a celebration of self-expression.* This is where true art meets daring social commentary, and individuality merges with collective celebration – it is * a testament to the enduring power of drag. *

Now let’s go shopping, darling!

If I was doing a show in 1931 London, I’d be heading straight for * Burberrys in * Haymarket, one of the best places for all the * fabulous attire and * designer costumes * for any * daring, theatrical * performance – * oh darling, a feather boa with my name on it!! * It’s definitely where you’ll find the * extraordinary creations of top milliners like, * *Lowe and Co * who created head-turning show-stopping headpieces, feather hats, * and *the * * * *“all about me” statement * that would give you the most * captivating drag stage presence *!

But honey, 1931 wasn’t just about London – let's jet-set over to Berlin where the scene was sizzling with excitement too! This was the birthplace of Berlin drag – a * *truly fabulous era of artistic and political expression. * * We’re talking a * new kind of cabaret * in places like * “The Kit Kat Klub.” * * They even had the *legendary trans woman cabaret artist * *“Dolly” * and she'd be giving the performances of a lifetime to a packed-out audience of devoted drag fans in the clubs and bars.

Now, darling, Berlin 1931 had its share of challenges too, of course. You had to * “play the game” * and * *find your safe spaces * for enjoying some fabulous, glamour-filled nights out, and * expression without judgement! It wasn’t all * sparkle and feather boas * for * trailblazing queens like Dolly * who often faced prejudice and the constant struggle against discrimination. * *But these daring performers weren't letting that stop them from living their best, authentic, glorious lives, darling! * Their dedication and resilience in a * difficult, often oppressive political and social environment * shows us how vital it is to stand up for your rights, embrace your individuality, and let your fierce, beautiful soul * shriek out for all the world to hear! *

Oh, and for the most spectacular 1930s “fashion” moments, I highly recommend the German-American actress Marlene Dietrich! She is considered one of the world's most glamorous style icons – her elegant outfits and glamorous hairdo inspired generations to come. A drag icon! Oh honey, she could certainly strut and work a catwalk, she'd make a fabulous judge at any Drag Race!

So, if I had the opportunity to go back in time – darling, that time traveling pink tutu will be * ready for action! * * – I'd absolutely love to visit the *Kit Kat Klub, check out “Dolly”’s cabaret performance, and, of course, enjoy all the incredible style and fashions of Berlin in the 1930s.

Now, honey, let me give you a few styling tips to add a touch of 1930s glamour to your everyday look. You can even go full-on cabaret in your fabulous pink tutu with a * head-turning feather boa, * * *a sassy pair of thigh-high boots, * * and *a * show-stopping sequin dress! *

1. Start with your Hair – A bold hairstyle from 1931 like a classic “Bob”, voluminous waves, or a glamorous updo will add that extra touch of sophisticated style. You'll feel amazing!
2. Then grab your Lipstick! – This is one era where * lipstick took centre stage! * Go for the classic red, a dark plum, or an alluring shade of brown, for an extra pop of bold color.
3. Bring on the Sequins and Feathers! – 1930s dressing was all about creating * dramatic, striking statement outfits * - so sparkling sequins and flowing feather boas * make for the ultimate theatrical ensemble! *

4. Finally, darling - Don’t forget a little extra glitter! – It wouldn’t be the roaring Twenties or the electrifying Thirties without some * extra glitter, darling! Scatter some iridescent glitter dust, * embrace the glam and make your own stage-ready sparkle! *

   Let's Dance!

Well darling, that's it for my adventures this time around! Remember that all those fabulous 1930s fashions can be yours with the pink tutu. Just visit our * **pink-tutu.com * website to grab your dazzling 1930s drag fashion inspiration, or follow us on social media!

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• Now let’s go dance the night away, darling! *

  Until next time,

  *Emma xx *