Hiya darlings! It's your gal, Emma, back with another smashing time-traveling adventure, and today we're waltzing back to January 1st, 1932! 🩰
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, 1932? That sounds terribly dull!" But trust me, loves, it was anything but. This was the year of big beginnings - a time when the world was getting back on its feet after the Great War, a time for dreaming big and dancing even bigger. And I just had to see what the drag scene was like in this fascinating era!
My Pink Tutu Time Travel Journal
First, let's talk travel! My pink tutu, my darling, is not just a fancy fashion choice - it's a portal to the past! I popped on my most voluminous tulle and found myself swirling back in time. The streets were full of horse-drawn carriages and folks dressed in those glamorous long dresses. The air smelled of coal smoke, freshly baked bread, and, most importantly, anticipation - the world was on the verge of a roaring era, ready to leave the shadows behind.
1932: The Year of The Cross Dresser?
I spent the day trying to figure out what 'drag' meant in the roaring 20s. In this time period, "cross dresser" was the phrase you heard more than "drag queen", and boy, were there cross dressers! There were women wearing menswear in the day-to-day, women smoking, women defying those old fashion rules. They weren't confined to just a "man dressed as a woman," which is quite the delightful shift in our history. They wore men's pants with fabulous panache! And don't get me started on the feathered boas! They were everywhere, and trust me, I snatched up a feather boa myself for my collection!
Entertainment: It Was a Circus!
As I explored 1932's drag scene, I discovered something very interesting: entertainment was less about theater and more about, well, everything! Burlesque clubs were booming. There were magic shows, variety shows, traveling circuses featuring all sorts of performers - including a fair number of crossdressers.
And remember those early movies, darlings? They were in black and white and full of dazzling gowns and men dressed as women, a delight to behold. Some of those costumes were quite daring and even outrageous, and my, they've had me sketching like crazy. I think we should embrace some of those daring silhouettes in our contemporary outfits, wouldn't you agree?
My London Encounters: The Queer Underbelly of Society
Naturally, I made my way to London. You can't discuss 1932 drag without acknowledging London, because, well, let's face it, they have been at the forefront of fabulous fashion, artistry, and theatre! London's vibrant drag scene hid within speakeasies and cabaret clubs, where "girls" could perform for an enthusiastic audience who knew exactly where they were coming from. They enjoyed this subversive blend of laughter and glamor in a way I didn't realize existed at that time. It made me think how exciting the early decades of drag must have been when you felt like you were always a tiny bit on the edge.
One club, I must tell you about - the "Kit-Cat Club," in Soho, London! A darling place, indeed! The patrons loved to be entertained by "The Cats" - a collective of glamorous transvestites who were masters of singing, dancing, and entertaining. Oh, it was so vibrant, the energy was electric! I even overheard one performer say that a well-tailored pant suit can win the heart of any gentleman. My heart fluttered! You could really sense this shared passion for pushing boundaries. These performances, they weren't just for show; they were an assertion of a different reality, a rebellion against social norms in a world full of social strictures. That's some strong stuff!
Glamorous Gatherings
One evening I found myself at a posh gathering - the London "Ball of Balls!" The atmosphere was intoxicating; women dressed in their finest gowns, dancing and laughing all through the night. A highlight for me was seeing women in tailored menswear ensembles wearing tuxedos! Now, THAT's what I call fabulous, darlings! Imagine this: tuxedo pants with sequins, an intricate embroidered jacket, and maybe even a dash of pink in the fabric - perfection! And the men, they were just as dressed up, each with his dapper bowtie! I tell you, my loves, there was an infectious energy in the air, and even my tulle felt the rhythm of that electrifying scene!
Vintage Inspirations: Lessons Learned in Tulle
The women I met were stylish beyond compare - their hair styled perfectly, and their make up - oh, I'm absolutely in love with that bold lip that defined the era. They were absolutely stunning. Now, don't get me wrong, their dress sense was quite a bit different from how we express ourselves in drag today, but there were definitely strong influences - the silhouettes of the dresses, the way the hairstyles were crafted, the vibrant and bold colors. We still see those elements in our fashion, and that's what makes studying this era so exciting! It gives us the background and the backbone for understanding who we are as performers today. I learned so much about what makes us unique and about the artistry that makes us so compelling.
A Bit of Reality... The Tough Side of Drag History
This trip wasn't all sunshine and feathers, though. The cross-dressing women of this period, especially those who identified as transgender, were often targeted, arrested, and even driven to suicide. In some parts of the world, crossdressing women were considered "mad." The story of cross dressing in the 1930s is not entirely rosy, and this reminded me, darlings, we need to continue to fight for recognition and equality. We are pioneers!
Pink Tutu Style Tips!
1932 fashion is all about being a dramatic queen - I know, I can hear you squealing! - Here are some style tips inspired by the era!
- Embracing the Bow Tie! Forget skinny ties, darlings - let's give those bowties a proper resurgence! Wear it with a tux, a vintage cocktail dress - anywhere that makes you feel bold!
- Let’s be Glamorous – 1930s glamour involved lots of jewelry and shimmer - think emerald necklaces, dangling earrings, statement bracelets and pins that stand out! We could also look for shimmering satin fabrics in the right colours and have them altered for our own look.
- Tuxedo Tales – There's something utterly divine about the sleek silhouette of a tuxedo. Add a touch of femininity to the look with an embroidered jacket, a pair of heels and maybe even a sequined pant!
Don't forget: I encourage all you lovely ladies out there to embrace the fabulous spirit of this era, and who knows? Maybe I'll see some of your stunning outfits on the next time travel adventure! Until next time, my dears, keep the pink tulle flowing, and never let anyone dull your sparkle! And keep a lookout on Pink-Tutu.com for my next blog!
Love always, Emma! 💖🩰
