Hello my darling dears! It's your girl, Emma, back with another blast from the past - or rather, a blast to the past! š I'm perched upon my pink satin cushion in my Derbyshire abode, a hot cuppa in hand (a vital necessity for any proper time traveller), feeling incredibly grateful for the wonders of this incredible pink tutu of mine.
This month, my tutu-clad toes are tapping with excitement because we're taking a trip toā¦ 1961! Now, picture this: Marilyn Monroe strutting her stuff, The Beatles hitting the airwaves, and The Supremes making their debut! Talk about a thrilling year, don't you think? And wouldn't you know it, we're gonna delve right into this whirlwind of iconic moments, drag queens, and a touch of pure 1960s glamour!
Speaking of glamour, how can I NOT mention that 11th of November, 1961, landed smack-dab in the middle of drag-tastic happenings in America, particularly in New York! You see, darling, back then, drag wasn't exactly out in the open like it is today. There were a handful of underground bars and clubs that provided a sanctuary for performers and an outlet for creativity, and we're gonna dive straight into one such iconic spot: the Village Gate.
This wasn't just any ol' nightclub. The Village Gate, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, was the place for music, poetry readings, and of course, DRAG! And wouldn't you know it, the Village Gate played host to a particularly vibrant and bold Drag Show on that very day! I mean, it wasn't exactly RuPaul's Drag Race, but can you imagine being able to time travel and be a part of it? I know I would have strutted right onto the stage!
Just picturing it, darlingsā¦ Imagine a stage bathed in the glow of the dim lights. The air is filled with the jazzy melodies of the night. The performers, stunning and daring, redefining womanhood on the stage with a sprinkle of fabulousness and a generous dash of theatrical flair. That's what drew me to the Village Gate - not just the history, but the audacity of it all! It's like a whole different world!
Of course, we couldn't just dream of a 1961 drag scene! Weāve got to see some real-life action! Now, as a fashionista with a heart full of tulle, my mind wanders to those glorious vintage dresses, that fabulous bouffant hair, and the daring looks those Queens pulled off in 1961.
And speaking of looksā¦ imagine the gowns! Itās been said that 1961 had its own pink revolution. Yes, darling, it seems the color of my heart - PINK - was also a statement back in 1961! From the stunning pinks of ballet shoes to those showstopping evening gowns, I'm almost certain a sprinkle of pink tutu magic was in the air, bringing a touch of playful whimsy to everything it touched.
This time, my research tells me, the trends were bolder and braver, and the queens took full advantage! I mean, a pink sequined halter top paired with a fuchsia floor-length gown, complete with a sassy ā**Pinkā feather boa, would be a sight for sore eyes even today! Now, imagine that on a stage, under those golden spotlights, in 1961! Talk about serving iconic realness!
So you see, darlings, just when I thought this 1961 time travel journey couldnāt get more glamorous, I was swept away by the sheer drag history of it all. The way those brave souls pushed boundaries, the artistry and creativity they brought to the tableā¦
For every ballroom scene, cabaret performance, and hidden underground show, these drag queens became trailblazers. They set the stage, they turned heads, and most importantly, they showed the world just how glamorous and powerful they could be! Just the thought of them makes my heart throb with inspiration and a love for everything drag!
Now, don't think my tutu-time-traveling adventures are limited to just historical fact-finding! I always squeeze in some serious retail therapy, darling. Just a tad of shopping can make my time travelling escapades more vibrant andā¦ pink-er! š
Of course, when it comes to fashion in the past, I adore browsing vintage shops and getting my hands on those beautiful, antique pieces, with that air of mystery about them! In 1961, I think Iād be on the lookout for vintage silk and chiffon pieces with intricate lace work - something classic with a touch of bohemian chic. Think Jackie Kennedy vibes but with a pop of colour!
I might even try to convince a fashion designer to give me a custom tutu inspired by the classic shapes and lines of the era ā perhaps with a bit of fuchsia feather trim for that va va voom factor! š
Donāt forget about my love of ballet fashion! You see, the classic ballet tutuā¦ a masterpiece of fabric, a vision of lightness, elegance, and grace... it's pure pink magic!
That delicate swirl of tulle, the soft ballet-pink fabric, the intricate stitching - it speaks to my soul! A good tutu always manages to bring a touch of je ne sais quoi to my ensemble, you know?
My darling friends, in a world that's all about self-expression and celebrating diversity, itās more than just a skirt, itās about embracing every bit of your uniqueness and individuality. The tutu, just like drag, allows you to transform, to showcase your creativity, and to take on the world with grace and flair.
Speaking of flairā¦ letās talk about my current drag shows, shall we? They've been nothing short of a dazzling explosion of sequins, feathers, and rainbows! You're all invited, of course, to check them out and dance the night away with me in my latest pink tulle creations.
My motto remains, āWear Pink. Wear Tulle. Be Fabulous!ā It's a life philosophy, really! š
Till next time, darling, stay fabulous, stay glamorous, and never stop shining!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to visit Pink Tutu Blog on social media and join the Pink Tutu Revolution! Weāll be having a āWear a Pink Tutu Dayā soon, and you won't want to miss it! āØ
