Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the time machine of fabulousness! I hope you're all sitting pretty in your finest pink tutus, ready for a fabulously flamboyant trip back to the 1940s!
This month, my magical, sequined, pink tutu whisked me away to December 12th, 1940. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and a hint of that wartime grit. Imagine, my lovelies, the world at war and yet, drag queens were still out there, sparkling like diamonds in the darkest night. Just the thought of it brings a twinkle to my eye!
London Calling: A Drag Night Under the Blitz
As I floated through the smoky skies of London, I felt a certain "camp" nostalgia - the wartime era had its own unique flair, you know? A sense of camaraderie, of strength in unity, even amongst the bombs and blackout curtains. I could feel a certain rebellious spirit that ran through the veins of those glamorous souls. The bombs were falling, but their spirits remained high, their sequins dazzling!
Imagine, a cozy club with dim lights, the smoky air filled with the laughter of those who dared to shine. The drag queens were fearless, fierce, and so unbelievably fabulous, making everyone forget the anxieties of the day. They served looks and laughter on a silver platter, a much-needed escape from the wartime hardship. It was all about creating magic, showing the world that glamour could blossom even under the bleakest of circumstances!
What Was Hot in the World of Drag in 1940?
My research tells me that this time period was a true blossoming of the drag scene in New York City! I am talking the likes of The Jewel Box Review - oh darling, this show is practically legendary! Imagine, beautiful girls on a stage bathed in dazzling light, twirling in feathers, dripping in rhinestones, creating such magic that you can practically smell the perfume of Old Hollywood through the internet! Just amazing! And there were so many more – the Copacabana was known for its flamboyant drag performances. The "New York Drag Queen" was a force to be reckoned with, paving the way for the vibrant scene we see today.
Time-Traveling Fashion and Glamour!
1940s fashion was a thing of absolute beauty, wasn't it? I could not help but indulge my love for bouclé, that luxurious and stylish material – it oozes a sophisticated elegance that has totally become my new "must-have". It was a era of grace, of curves and lines and elegance. And let's not forget those phenomenal hats - you just couldn't leave the house without a stunning, oversized chapeau to complement that perfectly sculpted bouclé suit!
Now, my sweet dears, while bouclé and hats were a-plenty, let's talk tutus. Of course! The '40s saw a boom in the ballet scene. The elegant forms of ballet were truly captivating. We can certainly see how this aesthetic carried through into drag – long gowns, feathered fans, high heels – these all paid homage to the glamour of classical ballet. It is a testament to the fact that our love for sparkle, fabulousness, and sheer performance, has been here forever!
Inspiration for the Modern Drag Queen
You see my loves, when I travel through time, I do it not just for fun. I am collecting drag history, bringing you the fabulous stories that shaped our beloved scene! My intention is for all you fabulous fashionistas to learn a bit of history – to understand the true grit and glamour that allowed drag to survive even the most challenging times! Each generation had its challenges, yet drag shone brighter, always evolving, always reinventing itself. It's the spirit that allows us to make it through, right?
And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, this trip to 1940 will inspire some of you to dip your toes into the beautiful world of vintage drag. Get yourself a 1940s look, perhaps try your hand at a " wartime glam" make-up, and let the power of the past inspire your future creativity! Remember, dear ones, drag is a history book, a testament to the unyielding beauty that will endure.
Stay fabulous! Love always,
Emma!
www.pink-tutu.com
