Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing time traveller! It’s the first of January, 1948, and as you know, we’re making it fabulous! 💅 Today, I’m swirling into the past in my time-travelling tutu to bring you all the fabulous gossip from the world of drag in 1948. So put on your most sparkly shoes, grab a cuppa, and get ready for some history!
This month’s destination is, well, pretty much everywhere! See, in 1948, the drag scene was blossoming, though maybe not always with the same bright pink sparkle we see today. You see, darlings, this wasn’t the era of lip-syncing and death drops. It was a time of gritty realism, of talented performers finding their way in the world with a wink and a feather boa.
So, imagine the excitement in, say, New York City. Drag balls were all the rage, and these weren't your average tea dances! These were huge, joyous celebrations where performers showed off their incredible drag couture. Think flamboyant costumes, towering hairpieces, and performances that would have us all shrieking "yasss queen!" in awe! These balls were underground events, of course, but their spirit burned bright and set the stage for what we see today.
Now, across the pond in dear old London, things were a tad more nuanced. Drag performance, or “cross-dressing” as it was then known, wasn’t exactly accepted with open arms. It existed mainly in hidden nightclubs and theatrical productions, often under the cloak of ‘character acting’. Still, even in the face of societal norms, talented queens emerged. The music hall was a platform for bold performers, many of them openly defying expectations, showcasing their captivating presence through song, dance, and of course, unforgettable costumes.
Let’s not forget our dear Derbyshire, my very own backyard! Back then, Derbyshire wasn’t known for its thriving drag scene, but let me tell you, even without flashy neon signs and big drag names, a passion for performing still existed. Picture small town halls, intimate settings where local artists showcased their talents. Maybe they weren't performing in elaborate pink tutus, but they were paving the way for our era of drag and, dare I say, pushing boundaries one sparkly shoe at a time. 👠
Now, this time travel gig isn’t all about the history books, darling! This pink tutu has seen its share of glam, even in 1948. I managed to snag some fantastic fashion inspiration! It’s all about sleek elegance this year, darlings. Tailored gowns with dramatic ruffles, daring hats, and sleek finger waves – all with that vintage flair. Think glamorous starlets with a dash of mischief!
Speaking of mischief, I can’t not talk about the iconic film released in 1948 - "The Red Shoes". The legendary ballerina Moira Shearer is absolutely stunning in this classic! And while not explicitly drag, this ballet-inspired film absolutely oozes with fashion inspiration, perfect for a pink tutu enthusiast like myself!
So, what did you do this 1st of January? Whether you were rocking the glittery eyeliner at a glamorous New Year's Eve ball or snuggled up by the fire watching some classic cinema, remember, every day is a chance to shine, darlings! And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, this year, we’ll all be wearing pink tutus! ✨
Now, I must be off, this vintage time machine needs a pitstop at a fabulous antique shop! 👜 Be sure to visit pink-tutu.com for all your drag news, vintage fashion tips, and updates on my upcoming drag performance in Derbyshire, because darling, you don't want to miss this! 💖
Stay fabulous, my darlings! Love, Emma x
