Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling gal, ready to whisk you back in time with another glorious dose of Drag Queen History! Now, pull up a velvet cushion, darling, because today's journey is going to be absolutely sparkling! It's September 1964, and my magical pink tutu is taking me to…
… drumroll please … The Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Oh darling, don't even get me started! This is where the real magic of the fringe happened, and in 1964 it was bursting with talent! And as if that wasn't exciting enough, we're talking about a whole month of fabulous performances, not just a week. Talk about being spoilt for choice, and the whole city was absolutely buzzing.
My good gracious, darling, what a sight it was! Everywhere I twirled, I saw people buzzing about and there was a real air of excitement in the air! Everyone was so thrilled to be a part of something so creative. Now, back then, a show like the Edinburgh Fringe wouldn't have had the big name performers that we know today. Instead, it was all about young, fresh talent and, let me tell you, they were giving it their all. And of course, there was plenty of drag to be seen!
Now, back in 1964, drag wasn't as accepted as it is today, so the drag queens I met at the fringe had a very unique way of showcasing their art. You wouldn't see full-on lip sync shows or fierce runway walks like we do today, darlings, no! They were more of a theater kind of drag, performing at intimate pubs and small theater venues, pushing the boundaries with subversive storytelling. And honestly? It was truly wonderful.
Think along the lines of Danny La Rue or the ever-iconic Julie Andrews playing a slightly bolder character – that sort of drag that really tested the limits of what people thought was appropriate! Imagine! Real drama and theatrics, with beautiful costumes and a whole lot of wit. I'm talking sharp satire, cheeky jokes, and absolutely phenomenal performances! They were telling stories of the everyday, poking fun at society, all while showing off their incredible talents! You could tell that it was a labor of love for these talented ladies – their performances truly were something special.
Of course, a trip wouldn't be complete without a little fashion darling, and what better place than Edinburgh to see what the locals were wearing! You know I love a good spot of people-watching, especially when it comes to spotting vintage style! Oh, my sweet, the 1960s were wild! I was absolutely delighted to see so much color! And the outfits? My dearest, absolute works of art. Lots of psychedelic prints and floral patterns with skirts in all the shapes and sizes imaginable! The ladies had such a sense of style back then! Just seeing it all made me twirl with delight!
While I was on my Edinburgh adventure, I stumbled upon a truly exceptional performance! Imagine a charming, cosy, underground cabaret with dimmed lights and red velvet seats. A local cabaret singer was gracing the stage and had everyone absolutely entranced. They had a beautiful voice, so smooth and sultry – she could've made an entire room fall silent just by whispering a word. They had just the right amount of theatricality too – all those delicate hand gestures and soulful looks, giving the entire performance a genuine sense of warmth. She had me absolutely swooning. Now that, darlings, is talent, not to be overlooked. Just goes to show, you never know what hidden gems you're going to find if you're open to discovery.
Oh, but wait, it gets even better, darlings! One day, as I was wandering around Edinburgh's quaint streets, I spotted a most unusual shop tucked away in a charming side alley! I call these the undiscovered treasures, my darlings, they're a vintage hunter's dream! And as luck would have it, it was full of delightful costumes! Now, this was an outfit heaven for this time-traveling ballerina! I found a dazzling array of beaded frocks, feathered boas, and hats that looked like works of art! The shopkeeper, a charming, wisecracking chap named Mr. Montgomery, offered to tell me about the fascinating history of his store. Apparently, his Great-Aunt Agatha, a local eccentric who believed "fashion is magic", founded the store, gathering its fantastical contents throughout the 1920s.
"Agatha," Mr. Montgomery chuckled, "would be horrified at the thought of you travelling through time!" He confided in me as I lovingly caressed a sequined bolero, “She considered a wardrobe, a statement." And he was right! Agatha's flamboyant taste spilled out through the store's colourful racks. There I spotted a fabulous 1920s pink satin gown with glittering embroidery.
"Just a touch too vibrant for the average Edinburgher", Montgomery chuckled, gesturing towards a collection of silver and emerald velvet pieces in a back room, "I prefer these darker, moody numbers for the Edinburgh set... it seems people here are a little bit... well..." Montgomery raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching, "...timid. But you, you wouldn't shy away from something like this! Agatha would be proud, indeed." Mr. Montgomery handed me the glittering pink satin gown with a flourish. And darling, let me tell you – I looked fabulous!
As I admired my new, old find, it occurred to me that vintage fashion is just as important as drag! These vintage pieces have history, character and charm, just like a good drag performance! They’re all about capturing a feeling, about showcasing individuality. It was in that very moment, nestled amongst Mr. Montgomery’s dazzling treasures that I discovered a crucial life lesson – fashion transcends time and drag queens, from every era, play their part!
Of course, my time-traveling pink tutu whisked me back to the safety of my own time before things got too confusing! Back to my present where we have much more acceptance, and even a good smattering of drag shows every night of the week in places like London.
But, one thing that hasn’t changed – we drag queens continue to celebrate history and creativity and bring a whole lot of sass, drama, and a little bit of sparkle to every corner of the globe. So darlings, grab your fanciest outfits and make sure your lipstick is poppin' Because remember – the history of drag is an endless story, full of magic, mischief, and a whole lot of style!
And if you love vintage fashion and want to explore these styles yourselves, just go online – there’s a wealth of history right at your fingertips! Oh, and of course, never forget the importance of looking fantastic when you leave the house, no matter the era. Just like those courageous drag queens who slayed the Edinburgh Fringe in 1964. Remember, every era, every generation brings a special flair to the world of drag, and that’s why we’re here.
See you next time on pink-tutu.com darlings!
Love,
Emma
P.S. And oh darling I can't wait for my next adventure! Where will my magical pink tutu whisk me next, you ask? Keep reading! I might just reveal the next stop in my blog next month…
*Just remember: Every time you wear a pink tutu, you celebrate the power of fashion and individuality – even if it's only for the day. So strut, twirl and feel absolutely wonderful! *
Stay Fabulous, darlings!
