Darling, grab your teacups and prepare to be transported! This month, your girl Emma's shimmering pink tutu whisks us away to a time where petticoats were practically mandatory and drag was just as flamboyant as a five-tier wedding cake!
This July 7th, 1960, feels a bit like stepping into a time capsule of pure, unapologetic glitz. The world, or at least the world of drag, seemed so... dare I say, uncomplicated. There was a certain charm to the idea of dressing up, of expressing oneself through costuming, with maybe a touch less societal judgment (okay, maybe a touch less... we all know how the sixties went).
My time-traveling tutu took me to a fabulous drag show at a dingy, but darling club in New York City. Think smoky bars with chandeliers hanging precariously from the ceiling, and maybe a rat scurrying around, giving you a side-eye. The crowd, a delectable mix of folks from all walks of life, had a genuine hunger for the transformative power of drag.
Oh, and the outfits! Darling, the ladies were SERVING.
Imagine big, elaborate costumes in bright colors, sequins, feathers galore! There was an undeniable whimsicality to the drag of that era. It wasn't about mimicking women, but rather embodying something larger than life. They weren't just women, they were glamorous caricatures, enchanting the crowd with their larger-than-life personalities.
I remember one particular performer, a magnificent queen with a voice that could melt steel. She wore a cherry red gown that sparkled like a disco ball in a thunderstorm. The audience erupted in a thunderous applause after she belted out a classic jazz ballad, bringing a tear to my eye, which, you know, I quickly brushed away with my fan to maintain my immaculate glamour.
One thing that surprised me was the level of creativity displayed. The costumes were meticulously crafted, using recycled materials and fabric scraps - real "up-cycled before upcycling was a thing" chic, my dears. It made me realize that even when resources were limited, the desire to express oneself was boundless!
Of course, my adventures in drag history weren't solely limited to New York City. My pink tutu whisked me around the world, catching glimpses of drag history as it unfolded.
In London, the "Drag Ball" at the Cavern Club (yes, the legendary Beatles one!) was an explosion of color and vibrancy. You know what they say, darling, "If you can't get your groove on at the Cavern, you'll never get your groove on!" Imagine a room bursting with vibrant personalities, laughter, and a whole lot of glitter. The music was a delectable blend of blues, jazz, and rock & roll, and the dancing, oh, the dancing was glorious.
In Paris, the Café de la Paix played host to a glittering drag soirée. The Parisian crowd, oh they knew how to party, darling! I caught a performance by a stunning drag queen named Marie Antoinette, whose lavish ball gowns were straight out of a Marie Claire fashion shoot (minus the guillotine, of course!). It was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. I simply couldn't resist trying on one of her exquisitely crafted headdresses, adorned with an array of pink flowers. Naturally, it was just darling on me!
My journeys throughout the month of July 1960 made me appreciate how drag was so deeply interwoven into the cultural fabric. It was an integral part of nightlife, entertainment, and simply living your best life. It was a source of inspiration, of joy, of self-expression, and even social commentary.
I also learned about the trials and tribulations of being a drag queen back in the day. There were fewer safe spaces and, let's be real, a LOT more discrimination. Still, these brave individuals persevered, using drag to challenge societal norms and advocate for inclusivity.
It truly filled my heart with so much respect and awe!
Remember, my loves, drag is a powerful art form. It's about creating, evolving, and finding beauty in all its forms. It's about letting go and embracing who we are! And what better way to celebrate the sheer exuberance of drag than by getting yourself a fabulous, sparkly pink tutu? I'll be sure to add some darling links to the most fabulous tutu makers around to my blog, because a good tutu is simply a MUST!
This month, dear friends, I invite you to celebrate drag history by celebrating your own uniqueness. Embrace your inner star! Spread kindness, love, and a sprinkle of pink wherever you go.
And until next month, when my pink tutu takes me on another exciting journey, keep on shining!
Emma (and my magnificent pink tutu), out!
Find me on Pink-Tutu.com, for the latest in drag fashion and history!
