Hello, darlings! Emma here, your fabulous fashion-forward guide to the glittering history of drag. As you know, here at www.pink-tutu.com, we love a good twirl through time! So, pop on your most flamboyant feather boa and get ready to dive into the drag scene of 12th December 1936!
This month, my trusty pink tutu whisked me away to a bustling, bright, and oh-so-stylish 1930s New York City. You wouldn't believe the glamour! Imagine, a time when even a simple trip to the grocery store was a chance to show off your latest feather-trimmed hat. It was all about the big hair, the dramatic makeup, and a dash of good old fashioned, glittering showmanship!
New York City’s Drag Scene:
This December evening, the legendary Village Vanguard was humming with the electrifying energy of live music. Oh, honey, I felt like I had stepped onto the stage myself! There were so many exciting performances. Now, this was back when drag wasn't all about the big, flamboyant shows that we see today. The style was more intimate, a secret whisper of glamorous mischief in a dimly lit cabaret.
And the queens, darling? Absolutely stunning! Think Marlene Dietrich with a sassy twist. Sleek gowns, dazzling jewellery, and makeup that defied gravity – that was the era’s definition of "fierce!"
One queen, in particular, caught my eye. She was an absolute showstopper, the type that would give a modern queen some fierce competition. Imagine a vintage dress that screamed Parisian chic, a powdered wig, and red lipstick that screamed “You’re in for a show!" Her performance, darling, had the whole audience enthralled!
Beyond the Big Apple
Now, this was before the golden age of Broadway. But across the world, even smaller towns were bustling with their own drag scenes! I, with my magic tutu, jetted across continents! I found myself in a beautiful old theatre in Berlin. Oh, darling, imagine the costumes! The costumes, they were pure Art Deco splendour – geometric, sleek and shimmering. Imagine shimmering sequins, bold patterns, and fabulous feathery headdresses, like you’ve never seen before!
And the shows, darling! Oh, they were incredible. We had singers with voices that could make the angels weep, and performers who brought tears to the audience's eyes with their laughter and grace. A true testament to the powerful art of drag!
Time Travelling Tidbits:
Now, this time travel, darling, it can be a little tricky. You know what I'm saying! The fashions can be a tad...well, shall we say, less practical than the modern styles we see today. It took a few adjustments to the time travelling tutu for a glamorous and comfy time in the past, let's say! And oh honey, let me tell you, sometimes the ladies’ rooms can be...challenging to say the least. So much so, I can’t go into detail on this particular blog post, darlings!
But honestly, even with these few challenges, darling, a time traveller never forgets the incredible opportunity to experience the incredible drag world!
From Our Pink Tutu Archives:
Now, if you’re wanting to add some of these 1930s looks to your personal style, you’re in for a treat! Have a look at our new online archive: “Pink Tutu Glamour Through the Ages". Here you’ll find some of the hottest 1930s style inspiration! You can even try to incorporate some of these stylish looks into your everyday outfit. Maybe a sparkling, shimmering hat with a vintage flair, some classic black gloves, or an eye-catching sequined clutch – they can give any modern outfit an incredible 1930s upgrade, darling!
Don’t forget, I also love seeing photos from your own time travels in your pink tutus. You know you can't resist taking a snap when you travel, darling! Post them on our Pink Tutu Time Travel group!
So there you have it, darlings. My little tour through December 1936. Let’s embrace the glamour, the joy, the joy and the powerful magic of drag, always and forever. See you next time, my darlings, when I’ll be off to another fabulous destination in history.
* Until then, stay sparkly, keep your chin up, and let your tutu fly!*
Your loving Pink Tutu Blogger, Emma, signing off from a comfy sofa in Derbyshire.
