Hiya darlings! Itās your girl, Emma, back with another dazzling blog post from my time travelling adventures! As always, I'm shimmering in my favourite pink tutu - itās truly the ultimate travel companion, you know? This time, I'm taking you all the way back to February 2nd, 1943. Buckle up, babes, because this is one for the history books!
I have to say, this journey was a bit of a surprise. You see, my magic tutu decided to take a spontaneous trip, and I landed smack-dab in the middle of wartime London. Imagine, me, a shimmering vision in pink, surrounded by blackout curtains and rationing notices! Now, don't get me wrong, war or no war, I still had to find a decent drag show!
Let me tell you, this particular night was a bit more ācampā than usual. I popped into a dimly lit, smoke-filled basement club - all charm and subterfuge, darlings! These brave performers had no stage, just a rickety table and a lot of charisma! I even spotted a darling in a shimmering sequined frock doing some truly sassy tap dancing. They were all putting on a dazzling show despite the wartime restrictions, truly inspiring, it had me wanting to snatch up the mic and do my own routine!
But thatās not all, my dears. In another corner of this exciting era, there was also a flourishing drag scene happening in America, especially in New York and California. The āDrag Ballā culture was thriving - a secret underground party where drag queens would express themselves in all their fabulous glory! Now, these drag balls were a lot different than what weāre used to today! Think full on ballroom glamour, costumes, and elaborate dance routines, just pure camp and escapism in a world full of uncertainty. You know what? This reminds me, darling, a good ball needs a good outfit - and who needs to step up their fashion game this weekend?! You got it, my lovelies! Youāre gonna see Emma rocking a pink tutu in every fabulous way!
Honestly, I'm always astounded by how far drag has come! Back in 1943, it was considered a subversive act to perform as a drag queen! Yet, those pioneers of the craft managed to create spaces for expression and self-acceptance, and I truly believe that that spirit lives on to this day! They truly are my heroes! They had such immense courage.
Now, my dears, back in wartime England, I stumbled upon something quite intriguing! It seems there was a drag queen who was making quite a splashā¦ her name was Daphne Dare, and this lady was a true icon! She was the reigning Queen of camp in those days. It is rumored she used to walk into the most exclusive London night clubs, looking utterly glamorous with her bold makeup, gowns, and killer high heels. Daphne Dare had the it factor! Can you even imagine? That is what I call true inspiration!
Let's not forget, my loves, it wasn't just the drag scene that was making headlines. I spotted a few truly exquisite ballet performances taking place on the 2nd of February, 1943! This era had such vibrant artistic energy! I'm still trying to recreate the outfits! I spotted the gorgeous and graceful ballerinas twirling in shimmering silks and flowing skirts. Oh, to have that kind of movement! I mean, who else has better stage presence than us drag queens, am I right?! And who else needs a pink tutu? You know what to do.
And speaking of fashion, my dear readers! What an absolutely fascinating fashion scene I saw! Everyone in England had to deal with strict rationing - limited fabric and clothing supplies! It seems like the saying, "make do and mend", was truly on point. However, let's just say the Brits, being the fashion powerhouses they are, managed to make the most of their rations, with plenty of home-made chic and wartime glamor! I even found a few shops selling "Make Do And Mend" patterns that used the most elegant cuts to make truly gorgeous pieces with limited material. Can you imagine?! Now, THATāS ingenuity. I mean, thatās how you make the most of things, darling!
But back to my 1943 adventureā¦ I made a few new friends along the way, including an old queen named Betty who told me all about the vibrant drag scene before the war! She even regaled me with tales of how her friends, (oh my, I should really tell you these stories properly!) used to host these crazy cabaret nights in smoky, backroom clubs. You just couldnāt tell they were having a blast. Of course, now these ācabaretsā had a bit more... secrecy surrounding them as they went undercover during the war! I even met a few of Betty's former colleagues at a vintage cabaret on this night and oh my, these girls have moves! The only difference was the dancing, there were a lot more nods towards wartime songs, which was both hilarious and powerful. You wouldn't believe some of the things they improvised with! Itās clear, those wartime years truly honed the art of making something spectacular out of nothing!
Now my lovelies, what about this monthās fashion tips? Oh, Iāve got some serious inspiration for you all! We're rocking tweed this month, a nod to that classy, wartime, I can do it all fashion. But with my twist of course! It's vintage glam! A pink tweed skirt suit would be utterly gorgeous, just remember, no shoulder pads! Letās keep those silhouettes simple but elegant!
Remember my darlings, Iāve got a blog post coming out next month! I have SO much more to tell you! You won't believe what happened next. Now, remember: Keep shimmering, wear pink tutus, and keep shining your brightest! You can always find me at www.pink-tutu.com
Love,
Emma.
