Hello, darling dears! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another blast from the past!
This month, I'm whisking us back to June 6th, 1946, just two weeks after the end of World War II, and the world was beginning to breathe a sigh of relief and rebuild. Can you believe it? A time when even our fabulously fabulous world of drag needed a bit of a makeover after such a chaotic period.
Speaking of makeovers, my darling, this is the episode where my time-travelling pink tutu truly shined. As a born and bred Derbyshire lass, I couldn't resist the call of the fashion scene in New York City, and, oh my dear, it was divine! Think Grease meets Breakfast at Tiffany's with a healthy dose of 1940s glamour, and you're close!
We're talking feathers, sequins, and oh, so much glitz. Think Josephine Baker, darling. Think Marlene Dietrich. They were the epitome of "sexy, but classy", and they ruled the world with their dazzling performances. The clubs were full of drag acts with all the glitz and glam you could handle. Think camp, think over the top, think full-on entertainment!
This era saw the birth of so many iconic names in the history of drag - think of the legendary Lady Chablis, whose cheeky sass and stunning performances are a true inspiration for the whole drag community. And how could we forget the absolutely iconic Divine? Now that was a queen. Divine, with his shocking persona, captivating costumes, and truly hilarious persona, paved the way for camp and avant-garde drag that still makes us smile today.
What's going on in the Drag World?
The streets were alive with fabulousness. A good drag act was an essential part of any night out. The famous Stonewall Inn in New York City was already starting to get its reputation as a hub for the queer community. You’d be shocked at how the nightlife of 1946 already started mirroring today's glamorous world of Drag!
While my pink tutu was a sensation in the New York nightlife, I had a few detours along the way! Remember, honey, 1946 was a period of huge change in the world! The war was just over, and life was beginning to get back to normal. And for some drag performers, finding those glamorous gowns and costumes was still a struggle. This is why a trip to the London Fashion House of Dior in Paris was in order! You wouldn’t believe the inspiration in that beautiful space! Even with wartime rationing in place, the French fashion scene still oozed elegance.
From the Runway to the Streets
A drag queen’s wardrobe is her lifeline! I needed to know where to find the fabulous! Dior’s collections in 1946 showcased a sophisticated feminine silhouette, a contrast from the practical wartime fashions, with soft curves and exquisite fabric choices! From Paris to the US, every lady needed her perfect cocktail dress for the social events and nightclubs!
Fashion Inspiration: I learned a big lesson from this trip - fashion wasn’t just about expensive clothes and lavish displays; it was about finding inspiration, mixing, and matching your style, darling! Who says a pink tutu doesn’t belong with a Parisian frock, darling? It's all about blending the past, the present, and the future, to create something truly stunning!
So, darling dears, whether you are rocking your own signature look or simply inspired by the fabulously glamorous world of 1946, keep embracing your unique style!
That’s it for this month's pink tutu journey through time! If you want to keep your time-travelling journey going, make sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest fashion trends and updates from my pink tutu-clad travels. You’ll never know what treasures and inspirations are hidden in our drag history! And remember, always embrace the fabulous, my dear.
Until next time,
Emma 💕✨
