Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen, back with another scintillating instalment from my whirlwind travels through drag history!
This month, we're twirling our way back to a fabulously fabulous July 7th, 1963! Now, darling, you might be thinking, "Emma, 1963? Wasn't that just after, like, the whole war thing? What on earth could have been going on in drag then?"
Oh, honey, you'd be surprised! Let me tell you, the world of drag was thriving, even then, and with my magical time-travelling tutu (I told you it was magical, didn't I?) I got to witness it all firsthand.
Before we hop on this fantastic journey, though, let me tell you all about what I got up to in Derbyshire last month! The Drag Derby performance was absolutely divine! I was serving major "Ballet Barbie" realness in a powder pink tutu with a cascade of feather boas - think Swan Lake meets Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The crowd was living for it, darlings. I truly believe we have to spread the message of pink-tutu-wearing to the whole world, and it starts with a little bit of drag magic, wouldn't you say?
Right, let's whisk you away back to 1963, shall we?
New York City:
First stop, the Big Apple! In the bustling city, I found myself at the The Peppermint Lounge, which was truly a mecca for drag and the birthplace of many legendary figures. I just had to see Julie "Jackie" Cummings, known for her fierce performances, and for being a part of the infamous “The Drag Factory” - the first true drag school! Can you imagine, darlings, a school where you learn how to be your most fabulous self? Imagine if they offered classes on crafting the perfect pink tutu!
Now, Jackie was a real icon, and a powerful voice for the community, especially after she fought for her right to wear her dress and get her "boy's" haircut in the courtroom! She truly was an early example of the power and audacity of drag queens to defy the status quo and embrace their truth! I tell you, the energy was electric, and Jackie's show was so engaging and funny that it left me giggling into my own pink feather boa!
London:
From the glittering lights of Broadway to the cobbled streets of London! It wouldn't be a complete drag history trip without visiting the legendary The Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
This iconic spot was a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, particularly the flamboyant drag scene! While we couldn’t really call it “drag” back in the 60s – it was more a “cabaret” – the flamboyant costumes, larger-than-life personalities, and lip-synching routines were undeniably paving the way for what we know and love as drag today. I spent the evening captivated by the stories told by some of the early performers like Danny La Rue, a pioneer in British entertainment who pushed the boundaries with their flamboyant outfits and performances.
Remember, darlings, all those who came before us – whether on stage, on the streets, or behind the scenes - made a big difference. We can learn so much by exploring their legacy and carrying their torch forward!
Los Angeles:
Now, we can’t have a drag history trip without heading over to the sunny state of California!
One place I simply had to visit was *The Black Cat!
Oh, darling, the glamour, the spectacle, and the charisma – simply mind-blowing! Imagine the best burlesque shows mixed with fabulous drag routines! The performances were full of glitz, glamour, and sass - I think I’d still be able to shimmy those sequins off to this day! The most notable star of the time was none other than Divine! They had their signature dramatic makeup, over-the-top hairstyles, and stunning gowns. Divine's outrageous personas made them a major icon, even going on to work with John Waters and paving the way for the cinematic power of drag!
While the Black Cat is now closed, I think their story, and the amazing performances that took place there, truly deserves to be celebrated and remembered!
A Touch of Time-Travelling Fashion
From the vibrant streets of New York to the flamboyant stages of London and Los Angeles, I found so much inspiration! Those outfits in 1963 were something else. We're talking bright colours, bold prints, and feather galore - like a glorious explosion of flamboyant self-expression. There were some particularly striking styles that left me completely mesmerized:
- The Power of Prints: You wouldn't believe how much the people of the time loved their prints! They just couldn't get enough of the floral and paisley designs, especially on silk dresses with big puffed sleeves and cinched waists.
- The Glitterati: Every outfit was adorned with glitter – head to toe – a real ode to all things shiny!
- The Feather Fiesta: Feathers were used in so many ways, on the costumes, on headbands, on dresses, the sky was the limit, darlings! We were living our best flamboyant bird-of-paradise realness!
It's incredible how trends have cycled back around in drag. Even now, we see feathers and bold patterns appearing on our beloved queens. Perhaps I just convinced you all that the 1960s were the decade to be! It was an exciting and bold period, a perfect blend of theatre and rebellious self-expression. It reminds us how far we've come, yet how much there is still to discover and celebrate within our wonderful world of drag!
Remember darlings, time travel is more than just about stepping back into the past. It's about discovering our roots, appreciating our history, and being inspired by the journeys of the queens who came before us. So, the next time you twirl into a pink tutu or catch a fantastic drag show, know that you're part of a rich legacy and history - one that’s worth celebrating with a smile, a laugh, and maybe even a bit of glitter!
Don't forget, you can follow my adventures on Pink Tutu Time Travel at www.pink-tutu.com. You can find my tour dates, latest designs, and most importantly - my drag queen tips to be the ultimate pink-tutu-wearing star. Until next month darlings, stay fabulous!
xo Emma
