Hello my darlings, it’s Emma here, your glamorous, time-travelling tutu enthusiast! Welcome back to the world of pink-tutu-ific drag history!
You know how much I adore a good old fashioned drag show, and let’s be honest, it’s even better when it’s bathed in the glorious history of fabulousness. That’s why, once a month, I strap on my magical time-travelling pink tutu and get whisked off on another amazing draggy adventure, ready to dive headfirst into another chapter of fabulousness!
This month, my time-traveling tutu is transporting me all the way back to October 10th, 1966, darlings, a time when the world was vibrating with all things fabulous! Let me tell you, 1966 was a big year for our beloved artform! Hold onto your feather boas because things were truly glamorous, baby!
Right, let’s get this fashion extravaganza started shall we, because we all know it’s the most important thing to any Drag Queen Time Traveller.
Fabulous Fashion!
In the world of fashion in 1966, the psychedelic movement was blooming like a big, beautiful, vibrant rose. Imagine colours you’ve never seen before, geometric patterns, swirling fabrics… It’s practically begging to be turned into a spectacular drag number!
The mini skirt was just coming into fashion then. Picture those tiny little skirts swaying around our hips. Darling, talk about fierce! Now, when it comes to a time-travelling drag queen with a love of tutus, anything that even remotely resembles a tutu, especially on a mini-skirt, just shouts my name. I swear the design world has always felt my passion, because it was only a couple of years before the Mini-Tutu hit the shops. My time travelling tutus must have planted some inspiration in 1966 darling! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to run down to the local fabric shop and try to find something suitable to emulate a Mini-Tutu, just to see how it would look. You know, for historical reasons. It is vital we honour our fashion heritage!
* Drag Show Buzz *
Darling, don’t think that fabulous fashion stopped there! In the year 1966, our dear friends, the Cockettes, were strutting their stuff in California! Now, these darling queens weren't afraid to be different, darlings. I mean, who doesn't adore a group who's all about love and beauty? And let's face it, the world needs a bit more of both! If I ever get my paws on the chance to time-travel and catch one of their performances, you know I’ll be packing those sequins, my darlings. My time-travelling tutu can handle even the most crazy of journeys!
*From Derbyshire to London's Heart *
The amazing Cockettes made the world sit up and take notice. They reminded us drag isn’t just about fabulous clothing and flamboyant dancing, darlings, it’s about expression, about making your unique voice heard.
Talking of making their voices heard, right in the heart of London, The Queen Victoria Pub in Notting Hill was where the drag scene was bubbling and the "Upstairs at The Queen's Head pub show had recently launched. Now this venue has seen more fabulous drag history unfold than you could imagine! And right back then, the legendary Michael Graves, he of the glittering disco drag attire, was doing his thing and shaking up London's underground scene!
I mean, if you've been to any good Drag shows, you’ll definitely see a nod to those iconic 1960s Drag Balls and their impact. Oh darling, even in Derbyshire where I'm from, Drag balls are the biggest thing we've ever done, a fabulous reminder of a heritage we should cherish and remember!
*New York - The Empire State Of Drag *
New York City was living for the glitz and glam, darlings. A hot spot that definitely knew what was hot was The Village Gate in Greenwich Village. Jackie Curtis, the queen of glam and one of the most innovative, brilliant queens of our times, was putting on performances and inspiring young Drag queens all over the world. This kind of creative talent inspires me so much! I’m a little obsessed with the influence she has had on my drag history. I could quite happily spend my days trawling through Youtube, looking for old Jackie Curtis clips!
*Where Do We Stand? *
In the past, 10th October, 1966, was a pretty pivotal point in the history of our beloved art. It was the year we saw a drag revolution brewing, the seed of future generations sown all over the globe. I am so excited to be in my little Derbyshire village, being able to continue the glorious journey, all these years later! And just look how fabulous it is!
If I ever get to go back to the 10th October 1966, I have a little list for you darling, and it’s going to be all about that "Mini-Tutu" I told you about before! It's going to be sparkling and fabulous, and let's just say my magic time travelling pink tutu might be a little jealous! If I don't get that "Mini-Tutu" trend kick-started, there will be trouble in my future!
*You Are Amazing *
As you’re probably already well aware, darling, the 10th October 1966 was just a blink in the big, sparkly world of drag. This art form keeps going, changing and innovating. Just like my pink time travelling tutu, it's always got some magical new twist!
Well darlings, I better run, my time-travelling pink tutu is getting twitchy! I know, a pink tutu, who knew, eh? If you need any advice on anything, or even a little guidance with getting started, you know where I am. You can always catch me on www.pink-tutu.com, or leave me a message if you want to hear my next incredible, outrageous story! And don't forget, darling, when it comes to fashion, the world's your stage. Just be brave, be unique, and never be afraid to express yourself in all your gorgeous glory. Because at the end of the day, the most fabulous tutu you’ll ever find, is the one you wear inside. Ooh, La La, love and peace, darlings!
Until next time, from my heart to yours.
Yours fabulously, Emma
*Note: *
For the best online drag history experience, darlings, make sure to visit the amazing Drag Queens History site and dragqueenhistory.com. You can even take the amazing LGBTQI+ time machine, where you can explore some of the most wonderful Drag moments!
For further reading you can visit these great websites:
- http://www.thecockettes.com - The amazing, pioneering Cockettes are now considered a legend and have left behind an incredible legacy, and this website explores their history in great depth!
- * https://www.nottinghilltheatre.com -* This lovely venue in Notting Hill is a bit of history right there. If you ever get a chance to go, it's absolutely magical! They also have loads of history on their site, if you're a fan of historical drag.
You can catch me on www.pink-tutu.com! Be sure to take a look and see the latest fashion inspiration from my world travels!
