Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another exhilarating escapade in the time machine - aka, my magical pink tutu!
July, that most glorious month for sun, sea and... well, for me, drag! I just knew this month would be brimming with dazzling discoveries. So, naturally, I dusted off my time-traveling tutu, popped a cheeky cherry blossom lip gloss and hopped through time to the 7th of July, 1945. It was quite the trip! The war was still going on, and everyone was talking about VE-day. But even amidst the post-war tensions, I found that drag was already sashaying onto the scene - and believe me, it was a sight!
As I flitted around 1940s London, I noticed a fabulous new trend in the drag world. While it might be considered somewhat demure in comparison to our present-day extravaganzas, there was something undeniably chic and confident about it. Think, beautiful pin curls, perfectly sculpted brows, and elegant gowns made with luxurious fabrics. There were no big, glittery costumes just yet, but oh, how those glamorous women brought the glamour!
The Queen's Inn: A Hub of Underground Glam
I must say, I felt a bit like a sparkly newcomer in a black-and-white world. Everyone was sporting wartime clothes - practical and functional. Then, BAM! I waltzed into The Queen's Inn, this quirky little pub just outside of Piccadilly Circus. I almost forgot the war even existed! This place was positively bustling with performers and patrons alike. It was, I learned, the hot spot for some underground drag, although, I'll admit, "drag" wasn't exactly the word being tossed around back then!
"Boys in Dresses", was the more common term - not that I found it remotely insulting, of course! Just, you know, not quite as flamboyant. Anyway, this pub was filled with these remarkable, brave "boys in dresses" who were, at their heart, absolute icons! Think high-kicks, shimmying sequins, and vocals that would make your gran’s hair stand on end (in a good way, of course!).
It was an honour to witness the sheer guts and spirit of these early pioneers! Imagine, they dared to perform their drag during a war! The world was filled with conflict, uncertainty, and frankly, just a lot of bad hairstyles! But there they were, singing, dancing, and defying convention! That took true bravery and a whole lot of pink eyeliner!
Shopping for Glam in Vintage London
After enjoying the pub's theatrical delights, I, naturally, had to delve into the 1940s shopping scene. Let's just say, I had a proper jolly time! This period of time was a real testament to "making do and mending." Fashion was repurposed, reworked, and reimagined - giving us some seriously cool, eclectic looks.
Picture me, skipping through the bustling market stalls, trying to get my little hands on those coveted rayon and silk fabrics! Then, oh my! A vintage shop filled with luxurious velvet dresses, feathered hats, and some of the most divine jewelry - it was enough to send a girl like me into orbit! I was smitten!
While shopping, I stumbled upon a pair of the most incredible heels. Honestly, the perfect blend of old-school chic and audacious confidence. Imagine: black satin platforms, elegant straps that would make your ankles sing, and heels that would make you stand just a tad bit taller! I'm a tad envious of my 1945 self - who wouldn't want to strut around London in such a sensational pair of footwear?
A Toast to Drag History: It’s All Connected
It was such a remarkable experience to witness how far drag has come! We’ve gone from these “Boys in Dresses” performing in hidden pubs to the full-blown fabulousness of global drag superstars! It makes me realise how much the past has paved the way for our incredible scene today. Each generation of drag queens has made their mark, inspiring, challenging, and pushing boundaries for those who come after. It's truly a beautiful journey - a constant dance of creativity and expression that stretches back in time for decades, if not centuries!
Let me remind you darlings, just as we see it happening today, drag isn’t about gender. It's about art, about self-expression, and celebrating those shimmering moments when you truly feel yourself!
The 7th of July 1945 was just one step on the grand drag staircase. But a very significant one. As always, my little darlings, thank you for joining me on this adventure through time. Remember, just as those amazing early drag queens dared to shine, so can you. Embrace your inner sparkle, and most importantly, keep rocking that pink tutu! And do be sure to check in for my next trip through time, right here at pink-tutu.com - until next time!
