Hello my darling darlings! It’s Emma, your time-travelling, tutu-clad queen from Derbyshire, here with another thrilling escapade through the magical world of drag history!
This month, my pink tutu and I whisked ourselves back to November 11th, 1948. Imagine, darlings, the excitement! The world was buzzing with post-war energy, and while we might not have had the dazzling array of makeup options we enjoy today, the drag scene was definitely flourishing!
I can’t even tell you how excited I was when I landed – right in the middle of a fantastic drag show at a dive bar in Harlem! I’m talking sequins, feathers, and fabulousness, all in a dimly lit, smoke-filled room with a whole lotta rhythm! It felt like stepping into a scene from "Carmen Miranda"! Oh, darling, the costumes were something else! The show girls were rocking incredible headpieces adorned with feathers, and there was so much sparkly, sequined fabric, it would’ve made a rainbow envious! I can’t even describe the talent; they were serving moves, lip syncing to the latest tunes – just like us darlings today, only with an added dose of sassy 1940s glamour!
My little heart was overflowing with pure drag joy. I swear I saw more pink tulle than you could shake a feather boa at! These drag divas were absolutely rocking the world. There were these two divas, with personalities larger than their headpieces (which is saying something, darling!), whose names were Crystal and Dolly. Their energy was pure dynamite.
One of them, Dolly, was telling me about her routine back then, where she would use “false hair” – oh honey, can you imagine trying to explain wigs in 1948? - to create amazing updos. Then, there was the talk about their makeup! Now, don’t think I'm saying their looks were "bad," darlings, but they had a more understated approach – bold colours, some creative contouring, but it all served the purpose of creating those big, beautiful drag personas!
You know I love a good bargain, so while I was there I made a new best friend – a fabulously sassy makeup artist named Rosie. We shared a little makeup wisdom (don’t be afraid to experiment, dears!) and she even gave me a rundown of what products were all the rage back then. I have to admit, a bit of inspiration for the makeup palette – I’m all for a bolder red lip these days!
But darling, remember this was 1948, a time of great change in the world, and for the LGBTQ+ community in America, it was a difficult time, but as we always do, drag thrived! This little glimpse into a past time reminded me that drag is not about being “pretty” or following any one rule – it's about pushing boundaries, celebrating individuality, and being gloriously yourself.
After my whirlwind trip, I am now fully immersed in that 1940s glam vibe. I’m thinking I'll whip up a "Dolly" look for my next drag performance - you've got to be ready to shake some feathers! And oh darling, maybe a little bit of sparkle! Because I have a feeling that glitter is ageless and a whole lot of fun!
You know I love a little fashion chat – and my journey to the 1940s definitely gave me a boost. Remember darlings, embrace your creativity, break out the glitter, and don't be afraid to flaunt your inner fabulousness!
Now go grab yourself a fabulous pink tutu, join me on my website, and remember, darling, in the world of drag, everything is possible! Don’t forget to spread the love, support your local drag queens and performers, and get those tutus ready!
Until next time, darling, keep sparkling!
XOXO
Emma, Your Tutu-tastic Queen!
P.S.Don't forget to subscribe to my blog for all the latest on pink tutus and drag queen adventures!
Did you know?
The 11th of November 1948 is important to us, as it's when drag queen and fashion icon Divine, otherwise known as Harris Glenn Milstead, was born in Maryland! If that's not enough for you to want to pull on a fabulous pink tutu and celebrate drag history, I don't know what is!
This post is for informative purposes only. It is important to respect the complexities and challenges of drag history and not to oversimplify or sensationalise the experiences of individuals or communities. Always consult with accurate historical sources for further information.
