Helloooo lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling drag queen, back with another tantalising tidbit from the glorious, glittering history of drag!
This month, my sparkly time-travelling tutu has whisked me all the way back to April 4th, 1952! Oh, darlings, the fashion! The fabulousness! Honestly, it was like stepping into a scene from a Cecil Beaton photograph – everything so elegant and perfectly coiffed.
But where shall we begin, darlings? Shall we delve into the fabulous, shimmering world of high society drag, or perhaps we’ll take a peek into the backstreets where street drag flourished? Why not both, hun!
A Peek Behind the Velvet Ropes
You know how much I love a good drag ball, darlings! Well, 1952 was overflowing with fabulousness! From New York's hottest dance halls to the lavish Parisian soirées, drag was the ultimate expression of glamor and individuality. Just imagine – men dressed in stunning evening gowns, feathered headdresses, and towering platforms, waltzing and shimmying the night away. Absolutely divine!
The Ballad of the Backstreet Queens
Now, you might think high society had a monopoly on drag back then, but oh honey, think again! Backstreets were buzzing with drag performers of all kinds, showing off their artistry, humour, and incredible looks in clandestine shows. Picture a tiny bar with smoky lighting and a tiny stage filled with vibrant personalities in wild costumes and make-up! Oh, darling, to have been a fly on the wall!
Drag on the Silver Screen
Back then, drag was finding its way onto the big screen! Think Cary Grant in drag, or, more fabulously, the absolutely sensational Divine's beginnings in "Hairspray," darling! Drag queens, even then, were challenging the norms and pushing boundaries with their creativity and captivating personalities.
But it wasn't just all about the shows, darling. It was about creating a world of fantasy, escapism, and beauty! It was about finding joy, acceptance, and, most importantly, belonging! And, of course, it was about those fabulous costumes!
Fashion Forecast: The Look
This era, my dears, was all about sleek elegance and an air of glamour! Imagine a world of velvet, silk, sequins, and feathers! A perfectly sculpted bob or glamorous curls framed by the most dazzling make-up! Think dramatic eyebrows, perfectly sculpted cheekbones, and that signature red lip, darling! The girls in the 50s really knew how to work a look, darling!
Pink Tutu Tips
I was feeling so inspired by the retro glam of 1952 that I had to do a quick wardrobe revamp! Now, I know pink tutus aren't traditionally seen as vintage fashion, but darling, that's why I'm here - to make a splash of colour in every era! And anyway, imagine me twirling in a black tulle skirt while rocking a bold red lip. Honestly, it wouldn't have quite the same dramatic impact, would it?
And anyway, darling, with a bit of ingenuity, anything can be turned into a masterpiece! A good pink tutu, a couple of sparkly accessories, and a killer attitude, and you too can be the Belle of the Ball!
Pink Tutu Picks
- Darling, take your inspiration from the fashion icons of the time: Audrey Hepburn in a simple black dress, Marilyn Monroe in a white dress with that dramatic red lip, or Elizabeth Taylor in all her glamorous finery!
- Get your hands on some sequins! Anything goes – a sparkling evening gown, a glamorous sequined top, or even a statement scarf with a bold sequin pattern!
- Feathers are always a win! Add a dash of feather boas, feather earrings, or a feather headpiece. Think fabulous and dramatic, darlings!
- The red lip is a must! Nothing says 'Hollywood glamour' like a perfectly painted red pout, darling.
- Don't forget the gloves! Leather, satin, or silk - a pair of gloves is a must for adding that final touch of sophistication.
Drag and Beyond
But drag isn’t just about glamour and costumes, darling! It's about a sense of community, acceptance, and freedom of expression. It's a space where individuals can be themselves, fully and authentically. So remember, drag isn’t just about a look, it’s about an attitude.
As always, darlings, thank you for joining me on my journey through drag history.
Remember to check back next month for another fabulous adventure with Pink Tutu Time Travels!
Until then, stay sparkly, darling!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
