Hello my darlings, it's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling diva, Emma! Welcome back to another thrilling adventure through the annals of Drag Queen History. This month, we're swirling back to September 9th, 1941, and let me tell you, darlings, it's a doozy! Buckle up, grab your best feather boa, and prepare to be swept off your feet by this glittering tale!
#261 – The Pink Tutu Flies To 1941!
This month's pink-tutu escapade saw me transported back to a time when the world was on the precipice of immense change. The year is 1941. War is raging in Europe, and while we’re living through uncertain times, let’s face it, sis, our lives have always been a bit chaotic haven't they? It's times like these, my loves, that we turn to the shimmer and sparkle of drag, the joy of a good performance, and the power of fabulous fashion to lift our spirits!
Now, imagine, darling, stepping back in time and witnessing the incredible drag queens of the 1940s! The world was a different place, yes, but the spirit of drag shone through, lighting up smoky bars and vibrant dance halls with its unique brand of magic. The energy was electric, a defiant expression of individuality in a world seeking to clamp down on creativity.
But Emma, where did you land this time? What was going on in the drag world that day?
I found myself in New York City, darlings, the very heart of the drag scene! 1941 was a big year for American drag. Even though wartime conditions were affecting life in the United States, the queer community was finding ways to express themselves, with the drag scene remaining a bright beacon of joy and resistance.
One of the most significant moments was the debut of The Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village, a landmark club that was known to feature drag performances. Just think, darling! This iconic venue that went on to host legendary performers like Judy Garland and Bob Dylan was just opening its doors to the world, and who knows, maybe the very first drag performance to grace the Vanguard stage took place on the very same day I landed there!
My sweet time-traveling pink tutu brought me to The Village Vanguard, a modest space that quickly established itself as a popular haunt for bohemians and creative souls, including drag performers seeking a haven of acceptance and self-expression. There was a buzz in the air, darlings, the kind of anticipation that only a brilliant performance can provide. I could hear whispers, "Have you seen the new girl from the Bronx? Her act is dynamite!"
My love of shopping took me down to Saks Fifth Avenue. Saks had been a significant shopping hub for drag queens, especially during wartime. These were tough times, darling, but we couldn't let anything get in the way of a fabulous outfit. I must admit, it was hard not to succumb to temptation. And the fashions! My darlings, the women in 1941 were truly a sight to behold! They wore fitted silhouettes, full skirts, and daringly high heels. A true feast for the eyes.
Drag Scenes Beyond The Big Apple
New York was a hotbed of drag activity, but my pink tutu doesn't only stay in the big cities. Let's venture across the ocean! Remember the beautiful Isle of Man? You can imagine the delightful charm of drag performances in those island locales back in 1941. We all need some respite from war-time news, and if the drag scene was roaring there, it had to be something magical.
Now, if you're anything like me, darlings, you love a bit of British glamour, and that includes our incredible British Drag History. I hopped in my pink tutu and landed myself in the bustling metropolis of London! Yes, darling, London was alive with entertainment in 1941. Even during a wartime blackout, a night out could involve a trip to a cabaret show, a performance at a theatre, or an intimate drag performance in a cosy speakeasy. I heard whispers about secret drag parties and a network of talented queens entertaining servicemen with laughter and laughter! Oh the memories...
The Time-Traveling Tutu's Fashion Observations
So, the year 1941 was a truly glamorous affair, fashion wise! Think classic elegance: sharp, chic lines and understated luxurious fabrics were all the rage, my loves. In wartime conditions, clothes rationing became a part of everyday life, and creativity blossomed! Fashion houses would repurpose fabric, use smaller quantities, and encourage ladies to "make do and mend." This made the entire fashion scene extra interesting, my darlings! It was like a big game of upcycling!
One of the most defining styles for the women in 1941 was the classic silhouette of the "New Look", darling! Introduced by Christian Dior, this revolutionary style promoted fuller skirts and cinched waists, providing a feminine and glamorous antidote to the drab utility-style clothing that had been ubiquitous during wartime. Oh how we loved to dress up, my darlings!
Remember the iconic '40s fashionista? They embraced the sleek pencil skirt and paired it with cinched waists, elegant blouses, and high-heeled shoes, resulting in a look that exuded a confident femininity. Just picture this scene: Think 1941 and a full-blown glamorous drag queen strutting into a speakeasy in a sleek dress and towering heels, her makeup perfect and hair styled to perfection. That's pure Hollywood glamour!
Now let's talk colours. Imagine the joy of a full-colour palette after years of restricted fabrics and shades during the war! Red lips were as essential as a good stiff drink, and scarlet hues dominated evening wear, a flamboyant and bold splash of colour in the dimly lit bars. We just needed to add our signature pink tutu, and you’ve got the perfect mix of vibrant fashion!
Sharing The Glitter with The World
And my sweet darlings, what better way to celebrate the resilience of the drag scene in those turbulent times than by encouraging everyone to wear pink tutus?
Just imagine, everyone, in a pink tutu! Not just queens, but our supportive allies and anyone who enjoys spreading joy. From the cobbled streets of Derby to the bustling boulevards of New York City, a pink tutu is a celebration of unity and love, reminding us that drag's enduring spirit thrives in the face of any challenge!
Spread the pink love, my loves, and let’s wear pink tutus together, remembering those drag icons of the 1940s, embracing the incredible resilience of the queer community, and spreading joy with every fabulous twirl! I’ll be back next month with another fascinating journey into Drag Queen history!
Catch you then, darlings!
*Love, Emma *
