Darlings! Hello, it's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger Emma, and welcome to my little corner of the internet. Today, I’m popping back to the good old days - or perhaps I should say, not-so-good old days. January 1st, 1957! Honestly, the time travel is truly exhausting, but oh so fabulously glamorous!
My First Ever Pink Tutu - January 1st 1957!
You might think 1957 is quite a mundane year for drag, but oh honey, it’s full of glitter! This year, on the first day of the month, I was born! Well, not born born, obviously, but it’s the day I found my pink tutu! Picture this, darlings. I’m wandering around my local vintage store in Derbyshire, desperately trying to find the perfect tutu. After all, I have a big dream, and that’s to share the sheer magic of the pink tutu with the whole wide world. My quest started years ago with the discovery of a dusty old time travel pink tutu at a costume shop in Buxton. This fabulous garment transported me back to the roaring 20s where the flapper era made way for a whole new kind of glamour. This month’s tutu had its first adventure with me on New Year’s Day, and boy oh boy was I ever ready to explore.
My Time Travel is about more than a Fabulous Fashion Trend!
This blog is more than just a chronicle of a pink tutu's travels. It's about bringing you the glamour and history of the world of drag. Every month, we're diving into a new time and place, discovering forgotten queens and their trailblazing stories. And today, honey, we're going full vintage, all the way back to the fifties!
But I have to admit, 1957 is definitely not the most flamboyant era for drag. This era was marked by a fierce resistance to openly celebrating drag in many countries, even in areas where it once thrived. The US still had its battles against censorship and the UK still grappled with its old societal norms.
I know what you're thinking, "Why the fifties? How is that fun?" Don't worry! Despite the hardships of the era, a world of secret glamour, private drag parties and clandestine shows still flourished!
Think about it. We need to respect our history. The pioneers who dared to live their truth even under the harshest of restrictions are the reason why we are able to have such fun with drag today!
Drag in the US: Under the Radar Glamour
The 1950s in the US were pretty complicated when it came to drag. Many cities were beginning to outlaw it, meaning drag balls had to be discreet affairs. You know what, I feel it would’ve been amazing to go to a private drag ball. All the ladies in sequins, feather boas and of course some fabulous pink tutus!
Despite the social and political climate, a drag queen, Jackie Beat, decided to defy the odds and created a Drag Queen competition in New York. Now, Jackie was a pioneer for sure! He was the King of underground drag, known for his playful wit and his theatrical style. He hosted one of the very first drag queen contests, something which we still adore today. Jackie, honey, you were an inspiration!
In 1957, we could also find a handful of very brave nightclubs across the US showcasing incredible drag talent. So much was hidden in secret back rooms and underground locations. I can’t help but imagine that drag queens back then were such strong women. So many had to work harder to be noticed. It’s so important that we learn and appreciate their history.
Drag in the UK: Keeping It Under Wraps
The UK had a long, albeit quiet, history with drag in the early 20th century. It’s funny when you think about it, so much of this story was passed down through word of mouth or hidden away in private albums.
Many early queens lived and worked in a world of discreet drag clubs, often behind closed doors and out of public view. In a world of such stark societal difference, it was not a time to stand out from the crowd.
Although much of it remains undocumented, many fantastic drag artists were entertaining people at clandestine social gatherings. It’s sad they had to do it this way, but these early drag artists were trailblazers for us all!
On The Bright Side… A Whole World of Fashion!
So yes, we might be dealing with a less flamboyant era, but hey, you know who really loved fashion? 1950s ladies! Let's just talk about the style - oh honey!
Imagine this, 1957 and you’re wearing a glamorous cinched waist, a fabulous pencil skirt, all complimented with perfectly manicured nails, impeccable lipstick, and a hair style that would make an angel weep! They loved a sleek silhouette with a touch of the glamorous. Oh the glamour and the fabulously stylish details, it makes my heart skip a beat!
The most iconic trends were the elegant evening gowns with beautiful floral details, all flowing in ethereal shades of light blue and lavender. Of course, the feminine style is where the fashion world started, and from here on it’s been all about pushing boundaries and expressing ourselves through our garments. I can see the undeniable inspiration of 1950s femininity within the modern-day, so why don't we start now to give our tutus a whole new kind of chic twist!
The Big Question
My friends, how can we add some magic into the everyday? I believe we can find this magic by combining fashion and inclusivity! Let’s remember our history and never let anyone stop us from following our hearts! Every single person deserves to shine in their own unique way. Let’s dance!
Oh my, darlings, what a delightful day trip! My lovelies, it’s been a blast. Thank you for joining me, and let's all raise a glass to all the fierce drag pioneers. And for now, as I close the door to 1957, I bid you all adieu! Keep following me as I explore the world of drag - there’s still so much more to come. Oh, and keep rocking those pink tutus! Until next month, darlings.
Until next time, darlings, let’s live our truths, express ourselves, and never be afraid to break a few rules!
Lots of love,
Emma
Remember, you can read more of my drag queen history time-travel blog on my website: www.pink-tutu.com
I hope you loved this fun post on the fabulous history of drag in 1957.
Until next month, my loves,
Keep sparkling!
