Hello my darlings, and welcome to another dazzling post from Pink-Tutu.com! This month, we’re taking a twirl back to 1959, April 4th, a date ripe with history – especially when it comes to drag! You might think 1959 would be all stiff hair and powdered noses, but the drag world, even then, was anything but boring!
Honestly, the moment I landed in this sparkling time, a glorious pink tutu practically materialised around me. (Must have been that magic in the time-traveling fabrics.) As I popped up in my 1950s neighbourhood, everyone seemed so glamorous in their bouffant hairdos and stylish wiggle dresses. I felt a tad over-the-top – it was like being a Christmas tree at a flower show, but oh so fun! I felt an immediate connection to this time period. The energy was something special – sassy, sophisticated and definitely, without a doubt, bursting with glamour.
I headed straight for a drag show – naturally! This being a drag queen time traveler, I wouldn't have it any other way! It was a local drag night, hosted in a cosy pub tucked away on a side street in a little village near Nottingham. You wouldn't believe this, darlings, but there was even a "Lady" on stage doing a spot-on imitation of Marlene Dietrich. I was in drag heaven! Imagine, me, in my tutu, dancing right alongside everyone else – my own little pink hurricane in this whirlwind of glitz and glory. They absolutely adored my pink tutu!
What else was in the world of drag, you ask? I heard whispers of a sensational “Drag Ball” coming to London. This ball was apparently the place to be! Apparently, everyone was buzzing about this big, elaborate party! But don’t think for a second they were shy about the glamour. The ball was apparently going to have all the trimmings – fancy food, dazzling gowns, even a glamorous “Drag Queen King” and “Drag Queen Queen”! I tried to stay for this extravaganza, but alas, my magic tutu told me it was time to go home!
This trip taught me so much about the past, especially about the sheer strength and ingenuity of drag in those days. They were fighting against society, yet doing so with style and grace! They weren't just performers; they were pioneers! It’s amazing to see how the spirit of drag has always been a source of freedom and expression, a bold, unapologetic force throughout history. Even if we weren't openly celebrating, celebrating we were, each in our own way, in every corner of the world!
And that’s it from Pink-Tutu this month! Remember, my dear friends, always let your pink tutu shine – the world is your stage, and every day is a chance to embrace the extraordinary! And don't forget, if you want to join me on a time-traveling escapade, or you have your own time-traveling drag history tale, come share your story! Your Pink-Tutu.com family welcomes all!
Until next time, let's spread the love for all things pink and glittery!
Stay fabulous,
Emma 🩰💖
Extra twirls of information:
- Did you know? Marlene Dietrich was known for her androgynous style, which became a huge influence for drag culture.
- To my readers in London – make sure to pop down to The Flamingo Club! That's the heart of the London drag scene in 1959.
- You know those vintage, big, colorful wigs and the oversized feather boas that have made a comeback in drag? Those started way back then!
- Even the drag scenes in 1959 were segregated! Imagine, only certain nights allowed certain drag "looks", so it wasn’t just an open for all extravaganza – what a shame. But hey, it was all still glorious and glamorous!
Fancy some vintage glam? Here are some tips to look back in time, to our lovely 1959 look:
- Find some red lipstick and make it fierce – big bold lipstick is totally the trend!
- Let's be daring - rock those big cat-eye makeup looks – so dramatic!
- Big hair! A bouffant hairdo will transform your style in a jiffy.
- And naturally, let's go for all those fabulous 1950s clothing looks - like those fabulous cinched-in waists, wiggle dresses and pencil skirts.
And last, but not least, support your local drag performers! Drag is still a massive source of fun, inspiration, and of course, glitter and glory!
Don’t forget, all this was back when we thought we were going to be the moon, a place so magical, full of glitter! What an era.
Emma.
