Hello darlings! Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, post number 185, your monthly dose of all things fabulously fabulous, fashion-forward and frankly, fabulous! I'm your host, Emma, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling, ballet-loving, drag-queen enthusiast, direct from Derbyshire!
This month, we're jetting off to a day that changed the face of drag… drum roll … 5th May 1935! Hold onto your feather boas, because you're in for a glamorous trip through time, darling!
The shimmering magic of my pink tutu has landed us in the heart of 1930s New York City, where the whispers of ‘drag’ were only just starting to catch on, and where the underground scenes were as vibrant and dynamic as the sequins and feather boas that adorned the ladies in those legendary cabarets.
The 1930s was a turning point in drag history - a period of immense societal change and challenging convention. It was the decade of silent movie stars morphing into icons of the cabaret world, like the glamourously androgynous Marlene Dietrich. The era that saw women pushing the boundaries of what they could wear, with shorter skirts, bare shoulders, and daring lipstick! And that was mirrored in the drag scene. Think the dapper and deliciously scandalous Marlene Dietrich, or the flamboyant, flamboyant and forever flamboyant, Josephine Baker! This era was all about creating a persona, playing with gender norms, and above all, about being undeniably glamorous and bold.
It was a time when drag started making its way into the spotlight. And believe me, darlings, it was all the more thrilling for being forbidden! It was exciting to push against the confines of society and to embrace this bold new world. Just like you would have loved to wear a shocking shade of pink and rock a giant tutu, daring those in power to bat an eyelash! It was the era of defiance and daring to be yourself!
My trip took me to an intimate cabaret nestled in a basement. There, tucked away in the shadow of glittering skyscrapers, the world's most stylish drag performers gathered. The space itself was dazzling: dimmed lighting, cobbled walls, and the pulsating beat of jazz echoing through the space. The scent of patchouli and cigar smoke hung heavy in the air, while sequins shimmered under the smoky glow of the stage.
Just as the curtain was about to open, I noticed a pair of shimmering purple-tinted platform heels disappearing behind the curtains, leaving a shimmering trail of glitter dust behind. It felt magical! As the show began, my eyes widened with amazement. A troupe of dazzling, vibrant drag performers came to life in front of me. The cabaret queen of the night, the dazzling Madame La Fantaisie, with her impossibly long crimson-red feathered fan and a stage persona that stole the show, was something out of my wildest dreams.
She sashayed, she shimmied, and she commanded the entire audience with just a twinkle in her eye. She exuded an electrifying confidence that drew everyone into her world, as if the whole audience was trapped in a web of her beauty. Her lips moved, but her voice was a whisper. Even without words, her powerful performance created an energy that electrified the space. It was almost magical! It was during her finale act that she delivered a breathtaking number on her stiletto heels.
Madame La Fantasie was something else - her artistry, the skill of her craft, and the boldness with which she embraced it were simply mind-blowing. I watched her movements, mesmerized by the effortless grace and theatricality, with which she played with the norms of her time.
Oh, darling, this time travel isn't just about the past! It's about learning from history, from the challenges they faced and the incredible bravery they demonstrated by being themselves in a time that was less than accepting of the unique, the unusual, the different. Madame La Fantasie had this extraordinary power to command and electrify every person who walked through those doors. And I knew in my heart, that just like Madame La Fantasie, all those drag queens in the early days were the pioneers, the true trailblazers! They fought their way into this spotlight. And, in doing so, they built the path we're walking on today!
So, darlings, embrace your true selves, just as those 1930s queens did. Own your pink tutus, your sequins, your sparkle, and take the world by storm.
Before my journey whisked me back to my own time, I made sure to capture some of the looks on the scene. This was all about those dramatic silhouettes and playful touches that defined 1930s fashion. The styles were truly remarkable – think long, flowing gowns adorned with bold geometric designs, feather boas and glittering headbands. These looks really added that glamorous feel, making everyone on the dance floor feel a true star. And, as always, I wanted to make a little Pink Tutu twist - what a wonderful mix for that era! Imagine Madame La Fantasie sporting a pink, feathered tutu over her gown? Oh, just picture it - I can feel the collective gasps from the crowd! Just imagine the look of amazement!
So, here are some Pink Tutu inspired 1930s looks to take home with you, my darlings!
Go dramatic and glamorous with a sleek black evening gown adorned with a shocking pink feather boa - the feather boa instantly elevates a classic look to an irresistible new level of flair and style, just as those queens would have done back in the day.
Get those bold, sleek lines working for you! Imagine pairing a shimmering gold lame dress with a pink tulle tutu layered underneath for an instant transformation of your standard cocktail look! It's both playful and bold, combining the comfort and femininity of a classic skirt with a dramatic statement!
Create a look inspired by the queens with a silver lamé jacket over a pink sequinned dress and some sparkly black platforms. Let's be real - a silver lamé jacket with black sparkly platforms is going to turn heads! But when you throw in that touch of pink, it becomes something truly special and iconic.
My pink tutu time travels are so much fun, darling. So let’s keep the glitter, glamor, and time travel magic alive. Until our next trip! Remember, pink tutus for everyone! Until next time, you can find me posting at www.pink-tutu.com!
