Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born drag queen and professional pink-tutu aficionado. Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, the place where drag history comes alive!
This month, Iâve taken a little trip back in time, landing on a very special date, 3rd March 1941, with my magical time travelling pink tutu, naturally! This date has a special place in my heart - not because it was my birthday (it wasnât - can you believe it? I was busy time-travelling back then!), but because, darlings, it was a date steeped in drag history.
Now, I know what youâre thinking - the 1940s? Isnât that a little... beige? Think again! You see, in this particular era, drag wasnât about elaborate, theatrical shows - oh no, honey! It was about a certain kind of quiet, subversive, "youâll never know" kind of drag, and that, my loves, was the best kind of drag.
My journey took me straight to Harlem, New York. In 1941, Harlem was THE place to be, the hotbed of Black artistry, with electrifying jazz music spilling out of smoky clubs and dazzling entertainers performing to sell-out audiences. But did you know, this time period saw a fascinating kind of drag blooming within Harlemâs cabaret culture? The âbutchâ and the âfemmeâ became more than just a personal choice, they were embraced as identities in their own right. Think sassy dames in masculine clothing paired with glamorous girls dressed to the nines in stunning gowns and glamorous headbands, a real collision of contrasts that felt, and was, totally groundbreaking. It was all very mysterious, very âdonât ask, donât tellâ, yet undeniably alluring. These women (yes, women - we gotta give props where it's due!), they weren't just âperformingâ drag. They lived it. They breathed it. And itâs this realness that I find absolutely thrilling. It wasn't about being on stage. It was about making their own statement, in their own way, amidst the roaring 40s. This time period is, for me, about the silent drag heroines - those who weren't necessarily seeking fame but were pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be bold, independent, and proudly oneself.
Of course, Iâm always on the lookout for amazing drag looks from across the decades, so, naturally, I took a stroll through a local Harlem haberdashery, taking in the fantastic designs of that era. We're talking about bold fabrics - think velvet, silk, and brocade in deep shades of ruby red and sapphire blue, accessorised with glamorous feather boas, glittering beads, and a serious dollop of Hollywood-inspired makeup, which I absolutely adored!
So much inspiration! This isnât just a "take a picture" time travel, babes, this is an all-out sensory experience, with the vibrant rhythm of jazz pulsing through the streets. I also managed to snag an original copy of a Harlem cabaret magazine featuring âLenaâ on the cover - what a stunner! I might just put a few pages of this bad boy up in my flat - that glamorous shot of Lena in a stunning sequined dress and matching hat? Chef's kiss!
Later that day, I popped into a cosy cabaret where some local drag queens were getting ready for a performance. You know how I am with getting my glam on - a true fan of a good show! But the vibe of the time period really brought back this sense of a secret society, you know? It was exciting, a little dangerous, a bit like an illicit thrill! There was a camaraderie in the air, the feeling of belonging to something a bit forbidden, but undeniably fascinating. The costumes weren't as flamboyant as today, with a lot more subtlety involved, and the focus was very much on the performer's personality, their confidence, their individual style.
You see, darling, drag in 1941 wasn't about being âbiggerâ or louder. It was about being real, being yourself, finding your own little bit of magic in a world that needed some colour, and this really resonated with me. Now, you may be thinking, Emma, how does this relate to our fabulous modern drag culture? Well, I believe those secret, "don't tell anyone" roots are exactly where todayâs explosion of drag artistry stems from! Itâs that same desire to express oneself, to be bold, to make a statement that resonated in Harlem back then, and continues to thrill the world today.
Speaking of thrills, darling, the best part of this trip? The BEST part, besides my absolutely fabulous time travelling pink tutu? Well, I had the absolute honour of having lunch with THE Josephine Baker! Talk about living legend! This sassy, fierce beauty brought so much glamour to Harlemâs stage with her groundbreaking shows. Sheâs one of those women who transcended mere artistry, she created a movement, a vision that inspired generations of artists, myself included! We had a wonderful chat about all things drag, fashion, and the importance of using our platform to make the world a more colourful, welcoming place. It was a truly divine experience. And, of course, I brought out my iconic pink tutu, and she loved it, she really did! We talked about the evolution of drag over the years, and how drag has always been a form of art, expression, and activism.
The sheer magic of these moments, you guys, itâs why I time travel. It's not just about seeing fabulous clothes or getting my hands on some vintage makeup palettes, though that is undeniably a highlight. Itâs about connecting to the heart of drag, to its origin, and appreciating how far we've come! Because if there's anything I love about drag today, it's the absolute thrill of its diversity.
Remember, my lovelies, every time you step out in your best attire, in that little black dress or maybe a glamorous tutu (pink, obviously!), you're honouring this rich legacy. You're continuing that tradition of taking a stand, expressing your truth, and shaking up the status quo. Now go forth and rock those feather boas and glitter eye shadows, and know that youâre a part of something much bigger than yourself, an evolution that started decades ago, in those Harlem cabarets, those quiet nights of hidden brilliance.
And please, do let me know your thoughts about the 1940s! Would you ever consider trying that âbutch/femmeâ aesthetic? How does this eraâs approach to drag influence you? I can't wait to hear your feedback in the comments!
As always, stay sparkly, my dears. And always, always remember, a pink tutu can make the world a more beautiful place.
Love,
Emma
xx
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