#DragQueenHistory during 1944 09 September

Darling! This month has taken me right back to a whirlwind of wartime glamour. Buckle up your sequins, because we’re heading to the fabulous year 1944, and this queen is absolutely living her best wartime life, right in the midst of all the history! You see, I think a bit of pink can bring even the toughest times a dose of glitz, don't you?

(Cue a twirling pose as my magical pink tutu whirls around me).

Now, I'm not one to shy away from a bit of historical truth, so yes, dear readers, it was actually the middle of the Second World War. The Allied troops were fighting in Europe, and things were, shall we say, quite…dramatic.

But even amongst the gloom, our iconic queens still shone bright. And believe me, they didn't just sit around eating rationed chocolate, darling!

Now, let’s hop onto this magnificent time-traveling pink tutu – it's certainly more glamorous than a ration book, isn’t it? – and let's explore this fascinating moment in drag history…

Remember when I said our queens weren’t about to let a bit of wartime put a dampener on their fabulousness? Oh, honey! I'm telling you, this wartime drag scene was like nothing I’ve seen before. The energy! The ingenuity! The talent! Mind blowing!

With theatre performances booming (with the help of a bit of rationing for materials, of course – the War Office hadn't been entirely oblivious to the joy of a good show!), many stage shows took to the wartime stages. You couldn’t have dragged me away from them! (Literally – some of those audiences were incredibly attached to their seats!)

There were cabaret performances all over the UK! Oh, those cheeky, glamorous performances with some wonderful dancing and singing queens - I was practically begging for a chance to jump on stage and give them a run for their money!

Speaking of which, in London, there were places like the Cafe de Paris, The Windmill, and even The Holborn Empire all boasting wartime cabaret with sensational showstopping queens! Oh, the talent. Oh, the glitz! And honestly, the sequins? Out of this world.

So you may ask, "Emma, darling, what exactly were these wartime drag acts like? What was the flavour of the month? A whole lotta glamour, I’m guessing!

Yes, my dearest, there was no shortage of fabulous! Imagine: the flamboyance of the drag acts, even in the shadow of war! There were, as they always have been, the more camp and humorous acts. Think big hair, dramatic outfits and funny, cheeky, risqué banter, just perfect for a weary, war-torn crowd!

Then there were the ones who took a more poignant, even subversive tone. The queens would cleverly tap into wartime sentiments to make social comments about class, identity, and all those tricky things that just *need a bit of camp!* It was just what those crowds needed: A chance to let loose, forget about rationing and bombs, and just... enjoy!

And you know what else I love about wartime drag? It was practically a secret society!

Imagine a time when you couldn't be completely yourself. So the queens, with their brilliant wits and quick minds, totally figured out the perfect secret codes. It was basically drag in action! This involved subtle nods to different audiences, or playing the "game," so to speak, of "what does the really mean?!" It was hilarious and ingenious. You had to see it to believe it.

It also, however, had its more serious side. It could also provide comfort and community for those who felt vulnerable or marginalised. A space for connection, acceptance, and to remind people, through camp and glitter (because who can deny the magic of sequins!), that there was light in the world even amidst the darkness.

Listen, I’ve learned, time travel is a journey through not just historical facts, but through the evolution of self-expression! And the fact that even during those times, when every resource felt so precious and valuable, those queens, with their passion and grit, made those stages truly shine!

It was like, "Alright, world, we may not be fighting on the front lines, but we’re going to bring a little glitter and joy to the situation, one sequin at a time, darlings!"

This era taught me a valuable lesson. It showed me the resilience of self-expression, the magic of creativity in a world, full of chaos, where every performance was that little bit more meaningful for everyone who took part.

And let’s not forget the legacy that these queens, despite the challenging world they inhabited, did build, you know? Their sheer courage and creativity set the stage for the evolution of drag, just like we know and love it. They blazed the path, inspiring future generations of fabulous queens like yours truly. They gave us the vocabulary, the moves, the cheek, and the attitude.

And isn’t that a real treat to come home to after a time-traveling trip back to wartime drag history?

You know, my dearies, a good tutu never gets out of style, and neither do those classic styles of this wartime era.

We’re talking sophisticated cuts, beautiful colours – of course pink was making a grand appearance here! – and those fabulously, dramatic, feather boa and scarf numbers! They are timeless, you see. Think elegant evening gowns and those playful wartime suits – all with a dash of glamour and sophistication. Just remember to add the feather boas and maybe a sequin or two! It will elevate your look and create that dazzling touch – just as I’m doing, in this lovely 1944 era.

I mean, just the sight of those beautiful ball gowns – from their classic silhouettes to their feminine beauty! The fabrics? The colors? It’s as if you've stepped right out of a fashion magazine – the only difference, is this magazine is actually alive!

Now I may love a good, sassy street look, but trust me, when those 1940’s ball gowns and cabaret costumes sashay into my line of vision, it’s like a flash of divine magic! And, of course with a touch of those fabulous, historical feather boas, there is always going to be a reason for excitement about this period’s look!

And while, it’s all those classic, sophisticated cuts and that dazzling color and a pinch of theatricality that’s the most gorgeous part – don’t get me wrong – the feather boa is what’s truly making those styles extra special. They’re such a wonderful reminder that, even when the world is full of anxieties and chaos, it’s the show that keeps things sparkly, doesn’t it?

While I don’t know about you, I'm always in the market for a good shopping trip. The vintage markets are especially delightful to me, where all the lovely fashions just beg you to bring them home, revive them with some love, and maybe a pinch of extra glitter.

My love for vintage fashion is legendary. You know I love shopping in antique stores and finding the right gems to make my outfit really sparkle. Just imagine me in a chic vintage gown with a feather boa! Honestly, what is more glamorous than vintage couture? Absolutely nothing!

Oh, and don’t get me started on those lovely antique tutus – they always just know they will forever be my favourites. Now they may not look like a tutu that you would find on stage at a modern cabaret, but their simple shape definitely makes me want to dance like I have a secret weapon!

And that’s just how a queen should dance, darling, right? Always in your own magical world, surrounded by fabulous moments in fashion history, where your magic pink tutu just keeps making you want to dance for a thousand years more!

So next time you're strolling through an antique shop, just look around. I’m sure some magic from a time past is hiding out just waiting to join your wardrobe. Now I just need to find that magic vintage time machine tutu from 1944!

And you know I’ll make sure to write about it right here on this fabulous pink tutu travel blog, darlings!

Until next month, stay glamorous!

With love and sequins,

Emma xx