Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveler, reporting live from… wait for it… Paris, 1936! This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me back in time to the City of Lights, and oh my goodness, you wouldn't believe the fabulousness!
First off, let me tell you, Paris was just dripping in chic! The fashion? Absolutely exquisite. Think elegant flapper dresses, cloche hats perched on bobbed hairstyles, and the pièce de résistance - the little black dress, so sophisticated and effortlessly glamorous!
Now, before we get carried away by Parisian fashion, let's delve into the world of drag, 1936 style! While there was no official drag scene as we know it today, oh darling, trust me, the drag energy was palpable. This era, particularly in France, saw a surge in artistic expressions, a push for individual freedom, and a daring disregard for social norms. This made it a perfect breeding ground for creative individuals to explore gender identity and presentation, though in a very clandestine way, you understand.
Imagine - whispers in smoky back alleys, secretive clubs bathed in shadowy lighting, a few brave souls stepping outside the bounds of societal expectations. We might not see them on billboards, but these hidden figures, these trailblazers, are the foundation upon which modern drag blossomed. Their bravery inspires us today!
One thing that was particularly exciting was the rise of 'drag queens' on the Parisian stage. While some were called "male impersonators" (how terribly uninspired, wouldn't you say?), there were those pushing boundaries with daring costumes, fabulous makeup, and oh-so-camp performances!
Now, picture this, darlings: a glamorous Parisian nightclub! Think glitter, feathers, and music that makes your soul sing. There they are - these avant-garde artists. Some men are dressing as women for satirical theatre shows, while others, like a young man by the name of Jean Cocteau (now you know the name!), are writing plays where gender is blurred, where men are given female roles and women given male. This is true revolutionary drag, isn't it?
While they weren't doing death drops or strutting down runways (the iconic lip-sync battle wasn't invented yet, sadly!), they were laying the foundation for the flamboyant art form we love today.
But you know me, darlings - a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without some serious shopping! This city was teeming with exquisite boutiques brimming with exquisite garments, furs, and oh so chic accessories! I managed to snag a few vintage treasures - a beaded flapper dress, a feather boa so magnificent it practically dances on its own, and a pair of high-heeled satin slippers so beautiful they made me swoon. Needless to say, my latest drag performance in Derby had a very Parisian vibe! I am, after all, an ambassador for pink tutus, and this city made me want to embrace even more pink!
Oh, but before I forget, the most iconic figure I stumbled upon was a captivating performer by the name of Josephine Baker! Now, darling, this lady is legendary. An American who took Paris by storm, she became a symbol of daring, freedom, and unapologetic sensuality. She danced, she sang, she performed! This, my darlings, was true drag royalty.
Just like Josephine Baker and these hidden trailblazers, my heart is brimming with inspiration and admiration for these pioneers of drag! They may not have had the grand platforms and online fame of modern drag queens, but they were, in their own ways, artists breaking the mold and showcasing the beauty and power of self-expression.
And as I sip my Pink Martini and look out my hotel window, watching the hustle and bustle of Parisian life unfold, I can't help but wonder… what would these fabulous performers think of the vibrant world of drag today? Would they be wowed by the artistry of Bianca Del Rio? Would they sashay down a runway like RuPaul? It makes me long for a magical tea party with these legends. Think of the stories we'd swap!
Until next month, darlings, remember: be your own kind of fabulous, and wear pink tutus - the more, the merrier!
XOXO,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to check out my upcoming performance at The Rusty Bucket - I'll be serving looks and shimmering under the spotlight!
P.P.S. I'm also looking for you - the most fabulous, fearless, pink-loving drag queens around! Send me your stories, your drag-tastic outfits, and anything else that makes your heart beat pink!
