Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, the only blog where drag queens, fashion fanatics, and lovers of all things pink come to celebrate the fabulous history of drag! I'm Emma, your resident time-traveling tutu enthusiast, and this month I'm whisking us back to 4th April, 1951!
You wouldn't believe what a trip down memory lane this was, doll! Let me tell you, the 50s had a certain... charm. Think full skirts, pin-curls, and those bold, bright colours! Don't worry, darling, I wasn't wearing anything remotely resembling the 1950s; my pink tulle confection was thankfully immune to the constraints of time.
This month's trip found me swirling through the streets of New York City, which was teeming with a certain jazzy energy I haven't seen since the Roaring Twenties! Imagine, a world where drag queens could truly thrive, at least in select spaces, and there was a sense of unspoken solidarity amongst them. They were pioneering an entire aesthetic! The world of entertainment in those days felt electric!
Oh, and have I told you about the nightclubs?! There was this fabulous little joint, 'The Copa' or something like that, which was full to the rafters with glamorous queens serving lewk after lewk, alongside the biggest names in music! This is the golden age of cabaret, my darlings, when performance truly reigned supreme!
Of course, with such dazzling performers strutting their stuff, fashion was truly flourishing. Picture sequins, glitter, and gowns that would make even the most fabulous couture designers gasp! They'd use whatever they could find; I saw a pair of beautiful feathered earrings that looked like they were lovingly cobbled together with bits and bobs! You go girl! The ingenuity and talent of those early drag queens, it still inspires me today!
While I'm talking fashion, did you know the iconic French couturier Christian Dior had just introduced the New Look that year?! It was an absolute sensation! We're talking a celebration of the female form with a strong focus on the waist, the epitome of elegant femininity. Dior was so influenced by the fashion of the 19th century! If I were back in those days, I'd have snatched up a New Look number, no doubt!
My own wardrobe for the occasion? A vibrant shade of hot pink, of course, my darlings! Just imagine it: a fluffy, layered, pink tutu, topped off with a sparkly corset, gloves, and feather boas, all set off by a show-stopping statement necklace. Why wear simple pink when you can wear sparkling pink, am I right?
The 50s were an era of change and evolution for the world of drag. Queens started carving their space, showcasing their artistry in underground clubs and creating their own unique fashion moments.
Speaking of the artistry of drag, have I told you about the stunning performances I saw? Think about a blend of theatrical flair, flamboyant costumes, and sharp comedic wit, all wrapped in one glamorous package! Think "Dame Edna" meets "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert"!
Let me paint you a picture: a darkened nightclub pulsates with music, a spotlight hits the stage, and there she is, a queen in a flowing sequined gown, captivating the entire audience with her every movement. Imagine a whirlwind of singing, dancing, and gag-worthy jokes! You'd need to pinch yourself, you wouldn't believe your eyes! It truly was drag in its most beautiful and powerful form.
Don't think this time-traveling spree was without its bumps in the road. This was the period before gay rights truly started gaining traction in the West, and there were dangers to being seen as 'different'. It was important to stay cautious.
It felt poignant for me to consider these brave women making their mark against the tide. Imagine the strength it took to simply be yourself in such a world, in a way, this kind of struggle reminds me of the incredible fortitude needed to succeed in the world of drag today, too! We truly are all on each other's shoulders, every single queen pushing us a little bit closer to the world we want!
The power of drag, and it's power to push societal boundaries, still motivates me so much today.
Speaking of societal boundaries, the world needs a touch more pink in it, don't you think? We are here to spread that message: let your light shine, and never, ever stop believing in the magic of the pink tutu!
My dearest readers, remember that you can also be your own time-traveller! Just open your minds, explore new styles, embrace the bold, the daring, and the wonderful world of drag!
As always, I'll see you back here next month with another fantastical trip through drag history! And remember: never stop twirling, never stop shining, and never stop wearing pink!
Until next time, keep it glamorous, keep it fierce, and keep it fabulous!
Your Pink Tutu Traveller,
Emma xo
